British authorities have resumed sharing intelligence with United States officials after receiving “fresh assurances” following multiple leaks of information to the media regarding the investigating the deadly Manchester suicide bombing.
“While we do not usually comment on information sharing arrangements … having received fresh assurances, we are now working closely with our key partners around the world including all those in the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance,” Mark Rowley, Britain’s lead officer for counter-terrorism policing told Reuters.
The Five Eyes alliance is made up of Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
According to a BBC report, British officials were angered over a leak of photos that appear to show the remnants of an explosive device believed to be the one used in the suicide attack at Manchester Arena.
The pictures published by The New York Times show fragments of a blue Karrimor backpack, with carefully packed shrapnel that consisted of nuts and screws, strewn across the lobby of the Manchester Arena.
READ MORE: Leaked photos appear to show bomb used in attack
Other images show what could be a possible detonator, and a 12-volt battery.
Following the Times publication of the leaked images, British police chiefs released a statement warning the breach of information could hamper the investigation to the terror attack and harm international relationships.
“We greatly value the important relationships we have with our trusted intelligence, law enforcement and security partners around the world,” National Police Chiefs’ Council said in the statement. “These relationships enable us to collaborate and share privileged and sensitive information that allows us to defeat terrorism and protect the public at home and abroad.
WATCH: British PM says she will address intelligence leak with Trump at NATO summit
“When that trust is breached it undermines these relationships, and undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families. This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorised disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter terrorism investigation,” the statement reads.
Providing an update into the investigation Thursday, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins addressed the leaks saying it’s distressing to the victims’ families.
WATCH: Manchester mayor accuses U.S. officials, media of disrespecting bombing victims
Just hours after the deadly bombing, U.S. intelligence officials also prematurely leaked information about the suspected bomber which led to the publication Salman Abedi’s name, as well the fact that the attack was a suicide bomb.
READ MORE: British Home Secretary slams U.S. for leaking info about Salman Abedi
British Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she was “irritated” about the leak.
“The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise,” Rudd said.
Citing an unnamed government source, British newspaper The Guardian reported U.K. officials “are furious” over the leaks that are “completely unacceptable.”
Earlier on Thursday, British Prime Minister spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump to say intelligence shared between their two countries had to remain secure.
– Global News reporter Rebecca Joseph contributed to this report. With files from Reuters.
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