Evidence of Manchester Arena bomb accused's DNA was found in car, jury told

The DNA of alleged Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi was found on several items recovered from a car said to have been used to store explosive chemicals and shrapnel ahead of the blast, a court has heard.
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The Old Bailey was told three large blue drums, used to store packs of nails, were among the items recovered from the Nissan Micra which scientists discovered contained Abedi's DNA or fingerprints.

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He denies plotting with his older brother, suicide bomber Salman Abedi, to bring death and destruction to the arena on May 22 2017.

Hashem Abedi, the brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, is standing trial at the Old Bailey. Picture: Force for Deterrence in Libya/PA WireHashem Abedi, the brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, is standing trial at the Old Bailey. Picture: Force for Deterrence in Libya/PA Wire
Hashem Abedi, the brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, is standing trial at the Old Bailey. Picture: Force for Deterrence in Libya/PA Wire

Among those killed were Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, from Adel, Leeds; Courtney Boyle, 19, a Leeds Beckett University student from Gateshead; Kelly Brewster, 32, from Sheffield; Wendy Fawell, 50, from Otley; and Angelika and Marcin Klis, a couple from York.

The court heard that the Abedis, who were born in Manchester to Libyan parents, were booked on one-way tickets to Libya in April 2017, having allegedly stockpiled chemicals used to make the homemade explosive triacetone triperoxide - also known as TATP.

The brothers are alleged to have ordered, stockpiled and transported the components - plus several kilos of screws and nails to maximise carnage - with a variety of addresses and vehicles at their disposal in 2017.

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The court previously heard that the brothers stowed the items in the Micra, bought hours before they departed for Libya, and parked it in the Rusholme area of Manchester, only for Salman to access them on his return to the city on May 18.

Giving evidence, forensic scientist Geraldine Davidson described how DNA or fingerprint evidence from Hashem was found on several items found in the Micra, including three large drums, packs of nails, a hammer and a bottle of soft drink.

The court heard that Hashem was also linked to the bombing by a bag of six pieces of metal, rolled tightly together into improvised cylinders.

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These were found in bins discarded by Salman in a basement on Granby Row, it was alleged.

Thumb prints from the defendant's left and right hands were found on one of them, the court was told.

When the metal fragment from the bombing scene, the cylinders from the flat and pieces of metal from the shed at the family home were compared they fitted together and were from the same oil drum, of a type he used at his workplace, it was claimed.

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Hashem Abedi denies 22 counts of murder, one count of attempted murder encompassing the injured survivors, and conspiring with his brother to cause explosions.

The trial was adjourned until Tuesday morning.