British Police on Thursday stopped collaborating with the United States after leaks to the US media risked hampering their investigation into the Manchester suicide bombing.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said an investigation would be launched into the investigation data leak which he described as “deeply troubling”, BBC reported.
Prime Minister Theresa May said she would stress the importance of keeping shared intelligence classified during her meeting with Trump at a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation summit. “I will make clear to President Trump that intelligence that is shared between our law enforcement agencies must remain secure,” May said in a televised statement.
The British government had expressed its anger over photos of evidence in the Manchester Arena attack published by The New York Times on Wednesday. The American newspaper had carried photos of blood-stained fragments of the bomb used in Monday’s suicide attack, reported Reuters.
Until now, eight people have been arrested in connection with Monday’s blast. The explosion, which killed 22 people and injured 59 others, took place at an arena where American singer Ariana Grande was performing. The majority of the audience consisted of teenage fans. The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the attack on Monday.
Britain routinely shares intelligence with the United States which it considers its closest ally. The country also shares information with the “Five Eyes” network which also includes Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Reuters reported.
Earlier this month, Trump was criticised for allegedly discussing sensitive Syria-related intelligence with Russian officials at an official meeting.
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