THE BROTHER of the Manchester Arena bomber has fled the country as he was due to give evidence at the inquiry into the devastating blast.

       Ismail Abedi has disappeared despite being ordered to give evidence this week into how his two younger brothers, Salman and Hasham, became radicalised and planned the horror suicide mission.

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       Bomber Salman Abedi's older brother Ismail has fled the country as he was due to give evidence Credit: PA 3

       The eldest Abedi brother had refused to cooperate with the inquiry before he absconded

       Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a homemade device as an Ariana Grande concert ended on May 22, 2017, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds.

       Ismail had refused to cooperate with the probe and his lawyers told the inquiry he would not answer any questions if he was forced to attend.

       Ismail Abedi had previously tried to bargain with authorities, saying he would only give evidence if he was granted immunity.

       Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said he is "not currently in the country and there is no indication as to when he may return."

       A notice has been issued to him requiring him to attend the inquiry on Thursday to give evidence.

       "Ismail Abedi clearly has important evidence to give and we urge him, today, to make contact with the inquiry legal team, either directly or through his legal team," Mr Greaney said.

       "If he does not do so, the public may infer that he has something to hide."

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       Chairman Sir John Saunders says Ismail Abedi is still "summonsed" to attend.

       He has previously denied all knowledge or involvement of his brothers' plot.

       The inquiry will examine Abedi's family, friends and associates, his use of the internet and social media, his education system and the mosques he visited to help determine his motives.

       The court heard the terrorist's parents and younger siblings are in Libya - but have also refused to cooperate with proceedings.

       A pal of Abedi, who was also expected to give evidence, was arrested as he attempted to leave the country on Monday.

       Ahmed Tagdhi, 29, was warned if he did not attend the inquiry this week he would be detained but tried to flee.

       He helped the bomber buy the car in which the deadly explosives were stored and was said to be close childhood friends with the family.

       The court heard Tagdhi had also visited the carpark where the Nissan Micra was parked while Abedi was in Libya.

       The haunting inquiry attempts to pick apart the sick plot by Salman Abedi and his brother Hashem.

       Hashem Abedi, was previously found guilty of 22 counts of murder relating to the attack and was sentenced to a minimum of 55 years.

       He was "every bit as responsible" as his older brother who detonated the bomb - and may have been the ringleader in the murderous plot.

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       Ismail Abedi seen entering the arena before detonating his explosive device Credit: PA