In a statement, a spokesman for the college said: “Like many, we are deeply saddened by the events at Liverpool Women’s Hospital this weekend. Emad (Enzo) al-Swealmeen was an adult cake decorating student at the college during the 2018/2019 academic year, and we are dismayed to hear of his involvement in the tragic events that took place.

“The well-being of our students and staff remains The City of Liverpool College’s number one priority during this time, which has been distressing for all across the city and wider city region. In line with the public appeals from Merseyside Police and other local leaders, we don’t intend to comment further on what is still an active police investigation at this time.”

Bomb was not made with same chemical used in Manchester attack 

Meanwhile, The Telegraph understands that counter-terror police and security services investigating Sunday’s explosion have found no evidence that TATP, used in the Manchester Arena bombing, was used to make the device.

It has led to speculation among some explosives experts that Swelameen could have constructed a crude homemade device using fireworks.

One former counter-terror officer with an expertise in improvised explosive devices, said: “It is a significant explosion, but nothing like the scale of the bomb used in Manchester. The white smoke that can be seen billowing out of the cab could indicate the use of gunpowder, and there is also a flash within the cab itself which could be powder burning.

“It is possible to construct home-made devices using fireworks, but it still requires a degree of expertise and planning.”

Security services will want to ensure that, if Swealmeen learnt how to make the bomb online, any videos are removed from the internet.