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A senior Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer who helped coordinate the tactical police response to the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 is to face a misconduct meeting following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The IOPC launched its investigation after GMP referred a complaint in September 2021 from family members who lost loved ones in the attack. The complaint related to the actions and decision-making of the officer on the night of the bombing, in which 22 people were killed.
The watchdog concluded its investigation in February 2025, submitting its final report and provisional findings to GMP. Last month, the force agreed with the IOPC’s opinion that the officer has a case to answer for misconduct relating to integrity, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct. Disciplinary proceedings will now be arranged.
In May 2024, the officer was formally notified that their conduct was under investigation, with allegations that they failed to inform colleagues they lacked the skills, experience or knowledge to effectively manage the role of coordinating the police response.
The IOPC has also recommended GMP apologise to the complainants for the shortcomings on the night and explain the steps it has since taken to prevent similar failings. Investigators examined policies, training and evidence submitted to the Manchester Arena Inquiry as part of their review.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “It was vital for public confidence in policing that such matters were subject to thorough and independent scrutiny… It will now be for a police disciplinary panel to consider the evidence and reach a decision based on all the available information.”
GMP Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said the force supported the decision to hold a misconduct meeting and pledged transparency over the outcome. “I want to reiterate the Chief Constable’s unreserved apology made on behalf of GMP to the families following the public inquiry,” he said. “We are steadfast in our commitment to ensure we do not repeat the inadequacies identified in the public inquiry. We have worked extensively in the years since to continue cementing the substantive improvements made as a result of the recommendations made.”
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