THE Mayor of Greater Manchester has said he has 'grave concerns' over reports that the brother of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber is set to stand trial in Libya.

Hashem Abedi, the brother of Salman Abedi, will be tried in Libya over his role in the attack, according to the country's chief investigator.

He fled to the country following the attack, which killed 22 people.

The BBC has reported that Hashem Abedi is suspected of having helped his brother and collected materials for the attack.

Their father Ramadan, who was also detained in Libya, has been released, the broadcaster said.

Asadiq Al Sour, the chief investigator, said that he will be taken to court within two months and that British police have already questioned Abedi in Tripoli several times.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has responded to the reports and expressed his concerns.

He said: "I have grave concerns about reports that a trial may take place in Libya connected with the atrocious attack at the Manchester Arena in May.

“This was an appalling attack on our city and any trial conducted thousands of miles from Manchester would in no way represent justice for all those who have been affected.

“It is essential that any trial connected to the attack, particularly if it involves a UK citizen, takes place in the UK under British law. I am today calling on the Prime Minister and the Government to do everything within their power to make sure that this is what happens.”

The BBC has also reported that authorities in Libya have given British police a list of names of people in the UK who they say should be questioned.

The broadcaster said the people are not necessarily suspects but could provide important information about the bomber and his brother.

Last month Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, said officers were "engaged" with the authorities in Libya.

Mr Jackson said attempts to speak to Hashem Abedi were part of an 'ongoing' process.