Three firms that represented bereaved families and injured victims of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack have secured the settlement of civil claims.

Broudie Jackson Canter, Hudgell Solicitors and Slater and Gordon represented hundreds of claimants who brought civil claims in relation to the bomb attack in May 2017, in which 22 died and hundreds more suffered life-changing injuries.

Legal expertise was provided with no legal fees deducted from damages. This included pro bono support with criminal injuries compensation claims and representation at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.

In a joint statement the three firms said it had been a privilege to represent the victims. They added: ‘This is not a day of celebration. It is a moment to acknowledge the mistakes that were made and the unimaginable suffering our clients have endured over the past eight-and-a-half years.

‘Their strength and resilience have been extraordinary, and without that, we would not have reached this settlement. We now expect all parties to honour their commitment to do what they can to prevent those same mistakes from happening again.’

The claims were made against those responsible for event security, venue management, policing and counter-terrorism.

Those contributing to the settlement included SMG Europe Holdings, Showsec International Ltd, British Transport Police and Greater Manchester Police.

In an all-party statement, the respondents said: ‘As part of this settlement, each of these organisations has apologised to the bereaved families and to the survivors. They have acknowledged the failures of that night. They have already made changes and pledged to do what they can to prevent those mistakes from happening again.

‘This settlement is about recognition, accountability, and a shared commitment to doing better. The courage and dignity shown by the families and survivors throughout this process has been extraordinary. You have been heard, and your voices have shaped the path forward.’

The attack happened following a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande. The victims were either fans who had been inside the arena or relatives picking them up.

Between 2020 and 2023, a public inquiry led by Sir John Saunders found that chances to stop the attack had been missed. He identified ‘serious shortcomings’ in the security provided and failings and mistakes by some individuals.