Theresa May to demand answers from Donald Trump after US officials leaked photos from Manchester terror attack
Fury erupted across Whitehall after details continued to slip out in Washington DC in defiance of Amber Rudd
FURIOUS Theresa May is to demand answers from Donald Trump after US officials leaked bloody crime scene photos of the Manchester bombing.
Fury erupted across Whitehall after details of the probe continued to slip out in Washington DC in defiance of Britain’s Home Secretary.
They include photos and diagrams from the scene that show how killer Salman Abedi, 22, was ripped in half by his own bomb.
The images, leaked to the New York Times by US intelligence sources, reveal the device was probably packed in a blue Karrimor rucksack.
And they suggest that Abedi may have triggered the blast using a detonator held in his left hand.
There are also suggestions that the bomb may have had a remote control.
It implies that Abedi may have had an accomplice to trigger the device if he had not been able to himself.
Diagrams also revealed most of Abedi’s victims were evenly spread in a circle around him.
It suggested the shrapnel of nuts and bolts were “carefully and evenly” packed into their lightweight metal container to cause maximum carnage.
Remnants of a £15 Yuasa 12-volt, 2.1 amp lead acid battery were also found.
Ministers were described as “seething” over the graphic disclosure, which could also risk endangering future prosecutions.
The PM will ask the US president for an explanation when they meet at the NATO summit in Brussels tomorrow.
Protests were raised at every level of the government, including by National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill to his counterpart HR McMaster.
A senior Whitehall source said: “These leaks from inside the US system are likely to deeply distress the victims, their families and the wider public.
“Information has also been leaked which risks compromising the ongoing investigation into this appalling crime.
“Protests have been lodged at every relevant level between the British authorities and our US counterparts.
“They are in no doubt about our huge strength of feeling on this issue. It is unacceptable.”
Abedi’s name and other details of the probe had already been broadcast by US TV news channels on Tuesday.
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British security chiefs regularly share intelligence and evidence with Washington DC counterparts, but under strict rules to keep them under wraps.
Ms Rudd added: “I’ve been clear with our US friends that shouldn’t happen again”.
The US Embassy in London refused to comment.
Former Ukip MP Douglas Carswell said: “There seem to be seem seriously third rate, untrustworthy spooks in the US.”
Taking to Twitter he said: “Who needs Wiki leaks when US officials reveal all?”
Meanwhile, CCTV footage has emerged of Abedi strolling through Manchester’s Arndale Centre on Friday night carrying a black and blue bag with its sales tag still hanging from it.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham angrily hit out at US authorities over the leaks.
In a remarkable rebuke he rang the US ambassador to tell him the "arrogant" behaviour of leaking sensitive information to the American media was undermining Britain's investigation into Monday night's attack.
Mr Burnham said: ";These leaks are completely unacceptable, and must stop immediately."
Despite the barrage of criticism, US leaks continued last night. ABC News reported claims by intelligence sources that a makeshift bomb-making workshop had been found in Abedi’s home.
The National Counter Terrorism Policing slammed the leaking of sensitive information, saying it had not only undermined their investigation into the Manchester attack but had also breached the confidentiality of victims and witnesses.
In a strongly-worded statement, a spokesman said: "We greatly value the important relationships we have with our trusted intelligence law enforcement and security partners around the world.
"These relationships enable us to collaborate and share privileged and sensitive information that allows us to defeat terrorism and protect the public at home and abroad.
"When the trust is breached it undermines these relationships, and undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families.
"This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorised disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter terrorism investigation."
Ex-Tory foreign minister Alistair Burt also attacked the New York Times for making the "shameful" decision to publish the highly sensitive information and pictures.