Older brother of Manchester Arena bombers apologises to victims’ families

Hashem and Salman Abedi’s older brother has spoken out about the Manchester Arena attack, apologising to the victims’ families.

Ismail Abedi told Sky News that he had ‘no idea his brothers had taken this path’, before apologising for the pain they caused.

He told Sky: “I want to apologise on behalf of my family to the victims, for all the pain Hashem and Salman caused”.

Hashem Abedi was yesterday sentenced to at least 55 years in jail for his part in the Manchester Arena bomb attack.

Ismail added: “I’m glad [Hashem’s sentencing] has happened because I can put it all behind me, get on with my life and look after my family.”

David Dixon / Geograph

Like his brothers, Ismail was born in Libya but grew up in Manchester, leaving the family home in 2013 and starting his own family.

He said he used to still be in touch with his brothers, adding: “Salman had changed over time, he’d become more religious, would spend more time in the mosque… but that was just normal.

“I spoke to him the night before the attack, he seemed calm, quite normal, there was no indication he’d do anything like this.”

He added: “The past three years have been hell. I’ve lost two brothers and my family is ripped apart because of it.

“What’s happened has happened. I can’t stop it now, I can’t go back. It’s done and dusted. He died, they died.”

Hashem was sentenced yesterday, after a trial back in March where he was found guilty of 22 counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and conspiring with his brother to cause an explosion.

According to Sky News, there were audible gasps in court as Hashem was jailed for life on each of the 22 counts of murder by Mr Justice Baker.

The judge said: “The defendant should clearly understand the minimum term he should serve is 55 years. He may never be released”.