Manchester attack: Terror threat reduced from critical to severe

The UK terrorism threat level has been reduced from critical to severe, Prime Minister Theresa May has said.

The change indicates an attack is highly likely, not imminently expected.

Soldiers deployed to support the police will be stood down on Monday night, at the close of the bank holiday weekend.

Earlier on Saturday, police evacuated an area of Moss Side in the city, in a search linked to Monday's bomb attack at the Manchester Arena which killed 22 people and left scores injured.

The evacuation was described by Greater Manchester Police as a precautionary measure to "ensure everyone's safety".

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Mrs May made the announcement after leading a meeting of the government's emergency committee Cobra on Saturday morning.

She said significant activity by the police during the last 24 hours had led to the threat being reduced.

It had been set at critical in the aftermath of the bombing.