'Independent source' needed to make sure security services keep to Arena bombing recommendations

The chairman of the Manchester Arena public inquiry has suggested an 'independent source' should be appointed to make sure the security services and counter-terror policing are keeping to a series of recommendations he made.

Sir John Saunders suggested the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, who has an oversight role in ensuring the security services comply with regulations in carrying out their covert activities, would be able to monitor the progress being made in implementing changes and proposals he called for.

As a 'final alternative', he said the inquiry's legal team would be prepared to carry out the monitoring free of charge, saying he was 'aware that the cost of inquiries is a matter of concern'.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

Sir John, in a statement on Tuesday, said: "Hearings on whether the attack could have been prevented were mainly held in closed sessions so the bereaved families do not know those matters which were revealed in so far as to do so would affect national security.

"In those circumstances, I think it is especially important for them and the public that they have reassurance from an independent source that the recommendations are being carried out."

The third and final report of the long-running inquiry found there was 'a significant missed opportunity to take action' on the part of MI5 that might have prevented the murders of the 22 people who lost their lives in the bombing on May 22, 2017.

One of two key pieces of intelligence about suicide bomber Salman Abedi - both of which weren't passed to police by MI5 - 'gave rise to the real possibility of obtaining information that might have led to actions which