Man detained at Birmingham Airport for IRA bombing at Manchester in 1996. See details

According to police, a man has been detained at Birmingham Airport in connection to the 1996 IRA explosion in Manchester. Although no one was killed in the explosion, it was said to be the biggest bomb to hit the UK mainland since World War Two and caused roughly 250 injuries.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), on Thursday night, the suspect was taken into custody at Birmingham Airport for the crimes relating to terrorism. No one has ever faced charges in relation to the attack on June 15, 1996.

Before England and Scotland's Euro 96 encounter at London's Wembley Stadium later that day, thousands of shoppers and football fans had assembled in the city centre. Police were informed of a bomb threat over a telephonic call, and the area was evacuated.


The bomb went off shortly after that in a truck parked on Corporation Street, causing a cloud of smoke to rise over the city's skyline. The next day, notwithstanding the attack, another Euro 96 game was played near Old Trafford. In the years that followed the bombing, a large portion of central Manchester underwent transformation.

Police reported new, albeit limited, investigative chances following a recent examination of the evidence last summer, the 25th anniversary of the attack. No matter how much time has passed, GMP stated that it is "committed to holding those involved in this attack to account."



Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing for the North West will speak with the suspect, who is now in police custody (CTPNW). Officers had been reinvestigating for several years, according to Det Supt. Andrew Meeks, head of investigations.

Det Supt Meeks further stated that officers attempted to inform survivors of new information. They said that they regrettably do not have the contact information for everyone impacted or hurt due to this atrocity. Hence, they urge everyone, who was affected to visit the Major Incident Portal.

Related FAQs

How big was the bomb attack?
The 1996 IRA explosion was said to be the biggest bomb to hit the UK mainland since World War Two.

How were the police informed of the attack?
Police were informed of a bomb threat over a telephonic call, and the area was evacuated.

What was the impact of bombing on Manchester?
In the years that followed the bombing, a large portion of central Manchester underwent transformation.