THE terrorists who bombed Manchester city centre 10 years ago are unlikely to be brought to justice, according to a police report.

A review into the 1996 bombing which devastated part of the city centre says there is "no realistic chance of prosecution".

Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Dave Whatton made the announcement in the run up to the 10th anniversary of the bombing on June 15.

It was revealed in 1999 that detectives had identified a man thought to be involved in causing the blast in Corporation Street, which injured 200 people and caused £700 million worth of damage.

But prosecutors said it was unlikely that anybody would be convicted and no arrests were ever made.

Mr Whatton said: "A team of officers from GMP's Anti-Terrorist Unit carried out a detailed analysis ahead of the 10th anniversary of the incident.

"In consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, we have concluded that at this time there is no realistic possibility of a prosecution."

He said this has allowed police to release evidence it has held for the past 10 years.

This includes police helicopter footage of the 3,500kg device exploding in Corporation Street.

"If new information comes to light, it would be considered," Mr Whatton said.