POLICE have said that it is ‘very clear’ a network is being investigated following the Manchester Arena bombing.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins made the comments yesterday.

When asked whether police were still looking for the bomb maker, he said: “I think it is very clear that it is a network we are investigating.”

Mr Hopkins also confirmed that one of the 22 people killed in the blast was a serving police officer who was off duty at the time.

He added that police are confident they have spoken to all the immediate families of those who died in the attack and are being supported by specially trained officers.

However post mortems are due to take between four to five days so police will not be formally identifying anyone at this stage.

Mr Hopkins also confirmed that four people remain in custody following arrests overnight on Tuesday and a raid was carried out Manchester city centre property yesterday where police gained entry by using a controlled explosion.

Raids were carried out at properties in south Manchester on Tuesday.

Mr Hopkins added that people will have seen a ‘significant increase’ in the number of armed officers in Greater Manchester as part of the ‘tried and tested’ plan for a major terrorist incident.

On Tuesday night Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the terror threat level has been increased from severe to critical meaning that another attack is imminent.

The military is now supporting police across the country but no military personnel will be patrolling Manchester.

Bolton Council has been liaising with police on security.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police on upcoming events around Bolton. We will be taking their advice on security and implementing any recommendations.”

Messages of support have continued to flood in following the attack.

Imteyaz Ali, secretary at the Bolton Council of Mosques, said: “We are extremely shocked and saddened by the tragic news of this attack at the heart of Manchester City Centre. The tragic loss of life is painful to bear.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are grieving, those who have lost loved ones and most importantly the innocent victims of such criminal activity. We pray that God gives the families patience and strength at this difficult time and keep the Community safe.

“We would also like to thank the emergency services for their courageous efforts and outstanding service, as well as the many civilians who have also offered support and helped in different ways.

“We have a history in Bolton of communities standing shoulder to shoulder. We must all stay united and help each other.”

Victims have continued to be named throughout today, including mum Michelle Kiss who is believed to be from Whalley in East Lancashire.

The Sri Lankan Bolton Community also issued a statement, expressing its great sadness at the attack, applauding the emergency services and calling for the perpetrators to face the true weight of justice.

Reports yesterday said that 64 people were still being treated in hospital with 20 remaining in critical care.