Video shows the scene at England’s Manchester Arena moments after reported explosions during Ariana Grande concert https://t.co/uIkSgHsDLG pic.twitter.com/P3H3bilOr5
— CNN (@CNN) May 22, 2017
At least 22 people have been killed in what police are calling a “terrorist incident” at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.
1:10am: Greater Manchester Police statement:
“Just before 10:35pm on Monday 22 April 2017, police were called to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena. So far 19 people have been confirmed dead, with around 50 others injured. This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise.”
2:13am: Theresa May statement:
“We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack. All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.”
“I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured. Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives. I have spoken with Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, who has fully briefed me on the operational response in the city. I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with last night’s appalling events. I have spoken with the Prime Minister and we have agreed that that all national campaigning in the general election will be suspended until further notice.”
7:30am: Update from Greater Manchester Police:
“Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones… We have been treating this as a terrorist incident and we believe, at this stage, the attack last night was conducted by one man. The priority is to establish if he was acting alone or as part of a network. The attacker died at the arena. We believe he was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated causing this atrocity.”
7:35am: Statement from the Home Secretary Amber Rudd:
“I know that some people will only just be waking up to the news of the horrific attacks in Manchester last night. This was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society – young people and children out at a pop concert… Later on this morning, I will be attending COBRa, chaired by the Prime Minister, to collect more information – to find out more – about this particular attack, and I can’t comment any more on that at the moment. The public should remain alert but not alarmed. If they have anything to report, they should approach the police… The great city of Manchester has been affected by terrorism before. Its spirit was not bowed; its community continued. This time it has been a particular attack on the most vulnerable in our society – its intention was to sow fear – its intention is to divide. But it will not succeed.”
Developing…
