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Manchester Arena: 19 dead after explosion at Ariana Grande concert – latest updates Manchester Arena: 19 dead after explosion at Ariana Grande concert – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
6.24am BST
06:24
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, who will attend this morning’s emergency Cobra meeting, has added to the tributes to emergency services:
This was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society – young people and children out at a pop concert.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and victims who have been affected, and I know the whole country will share that view.
I’d like to pay tribute to the emergency services who have worked throughout the night professionally and effectively; they have done an excellent job.
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.
But I have two further things to add.
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.
6.19am BST
06:19
Michael Safi
One of the missing concert-goers whose photograph is being widely shared on social media is Olivia Campbell, a teenager who attended the concert as part of a birthday present for her friend, Adam, who is also missing.
We have still not found OLIVIA CAMPBELL. If you see her please contact me ASAP. pic.twitter.com/8LboKg0B2n
Her mother, Charlotte, told CNN she last spoke to her daughter around 8.30pm, several hours before the blast:
It’s the most horrible feeling ever to know your daughter is there and you can’t find her, and you don’t know if she’s dead or alive.
I don’t know how people can do this to innocent children.
She said Adam and Olivia had “done nothing but talk about” the concert in the past few days:
They’re normal teenage children who were going to see their favourite artist and it’s ended in absolute carnage.
6.08am BST
06:08
All election campaigning suspended
Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that Labour will join the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and SNP in suspending campaigning for the 8 June general election.
In a statement this morning, the Labour leader says:
I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with family 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 all national campaigning in the general election will be suspended until further notice.
5.54am BST5.54am BST
05:5405:54
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
At least 19 people have been killed and around 5o injured after an explosion at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande.At least 19 people have been killed and around 5o injured after an explosion at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande.
Investigators say they are treating the incident as a terrorist attack “until police know otherwise”.Investigators say they are treating the incident as a terrorist attack “until police know otherwise”.
The blast was reported to have taken place outside the arena, in the public foyer, shortly after 10.30pm. North West ambulance services said 60 ambulances were dispatched to the arena, with 59 people transferred to six hospitals across Greater Manchester, and a number of “walking wounded” treated at the scene.The blast was reported to have taken place outside the arena, in the public foyer, shortly after 10.30pm. North West ambulance services said 60 ambulances were dispatched to the arena, with 59 people transferred to six hospitals across Greater Manchester, and a number of “walking wounded” treated at the scene.
No identities of those killed or injured have been confirmed. No arrests have been made.No identities of those killed or injured have been confirmed. No arrests have been made.
The prime minister, Theresa May, will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee at 9am on Tuesday. In an overnight statement, May said:The prime minister, Theresa May, will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee at 9am on Tuesday. In an overnight statement, May said:
We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.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.All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.
Party leaders Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon and Tim Farron also expressed condolences. Campaigning for June’s general election has been suspended.Party leaders Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon and Tim Farron also expressed condolences. Campaigning for June’s general election has been suspended.
Ariana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, which occurred just moments after her show finished, tweeted that she wasAriana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, which occurred just moments after her show finished, tweeted that she was
“broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don’t have words.”“broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don’t have words.”
A large area around the arena has been cordoned off. Victoria station has been closed and train services cancelled for the whole of Tuesday. Police have asked people to stay away from the area.A large area around the arena has been cordoned off. Victoria station has been closed and train services cancelled for the whole of Tuesday. Police have asked people to stay away from the area.
British Transport Police said extra officers, some armed, would be on patrol today.British Transport Police said extra officers, some armed, would be on patrol today.
Greater Manchester police has set up a hotline for those concerned about relatives or friends who might have been caught up in the Manchester explosion: 0161 856 9400.Greater Manchester police has set up a hotline for those concerned about relatives or friends who might have been caught up in the Manchester explosion: 0161 856 9400.
5.46am BST5.46am BST
05:4605:46
Tom PhillipsTom Phillips
CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, is reporting that Chinese president Xi Jinping has sent a message to the Queen expressing his “sincere condolences” to those killed and injured in the explosion in Manchester and to their families.CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, is reporting that Chinese president Xi Jinping has sent a message to the Queen expressing his “sincere condolences” to those killed and injured in the explosion in Manchester and to their families.
“The Chinese people are firmly standing together with the British people at this difficult time,” Xi told the Queen, according to a brief announcement by the channel.“The Chinese people are firmly standing together with the British people at this difficult time,” Xi told the Queen, according to a brief announcement by the channel.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.54am BSTat 5.54am BST
5.36am BST5.36am BST
05:3605:36
Health workers visiting Manchester have offered to pitch in to help care for those injured in an explosion at a concert in the city, Press Association reports:Health workers visiting Manchester have offered to pitch in to help care for those injured in an explosion at a concert in the city, Press Association reports:
NHS staff attending a conference in the city offered support to local hospitals treating the wounded.NHS staff attending a conference in the city offered support to local hospitals treating the wounded.
North West Ambulance NHS Trust sent 60 ambulances to the scene of the suspected terror attack. It said 59 casualties had been taken to nearby hospitals and a number of walking wounded were treated at the scene.North West Ambulance NHS Trust sent 60 ambulances to the scene of the suspected terror attack. It said 59 casualties had been taken to nearby hospitals and a number of walking wounded were treated at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police said that the injured were being treated at six local hospitals.Greater Manchester Police said that the injured were being treated at six local hospitals.
Kirsty Withers, a theatre clinical manager at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay (UHMB) NHS Foundation Trust, offered assistance to Manchester Royal Infirmary online, writing: “We are visiting for a health conference from morecambe bay trust tomorrow 3 Theatre ODPs available if needed.”Kirsty Withers, a theatre clinical manager at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay (UHMB) NHS Foundation Trust, offered assistance to Manchester Royal Infirmary online, writing: “We are visiting for a health conference from morecambe bay trust tomorrow 3 Theatre ODPs available if needed.”
Stuart Hosking-Durn, an emergency preparedness, resilience and response professional with UHMB, also used Twitter to offer help, posting: “do you need extra hands, we have staff in Manchester, have ID and can attend.”Stuart Hosking-Durn, an emergency preparedness, resilience and response professional with UHMB, also used Twitter to offer help, posting: “do you need extra hands, we have staff in Manchester, have ID and can attend.”
Mancunian GP Faizan Awan tweeted: “If you need any help doing clinical work either on wards or minors, let me know. Can be with you in 10 minutes.”Mancunian GP Faizan Awan tweeted: “If you need any help doing clinical work either on wards or minors, let me know. Can be with you in 10 minutes.”
5.31am BST5.31am BST
05:3105:31
A reminder that Greater Manchester police has set up a hotline for those concerned about relatives or friends who might have been caught up in the Manchester explosion.A reminder that Greater Manchester police has set up a hotline for those concerned about relatives or friends who might have been caught up in the Manchester explosion.
It is 0161 856 9400.It is 0161 856 9400.
Police are also encouraging anyone who needs assistance in the area to find officers at the Etihad Stadium:Police are also encouraging anyone who needs assistance in the area to find officers at the Etihad Stadium:
Anyone who needs help or assistance after last night's incident at Manchester Arena help is available at the Etihad Stadium access Gate 11Anyone who needs help or assistance after last night's incident at Manchester Arena help is available at the Etihad Stadium access Gate 11
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.33am BSTat 5.33am BST
5.27am BST5.27am BST
05:2705:27
The Parliament of Australia pauses in silence to observe the victims of the Manchester terror attack pic.twitter.com/1GiFvNF1quThe Parliament of Australia pauses in silence to observe the victims of the Manchester terror attack pic.twitter.com/1GiFvNF1qu
5.23am BST5.23am BST
05:2305:23
World leaders have reacted with horror to the news that the incident is a suspected terror attack.World leaders have reacted with horror to the news that the incident is a suspected terror attack.
Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian prime minister, said:Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian prime minister, said:
This incident, this attack, is especially vile especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers. This is an attack on innocence. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children. This is a direct and brutal attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere.This incident, this attack, is especially vile especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers. This is an attack on innocence. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children. This is a direct and brutal attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has tweeted:Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has tweeted:
Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims & their families in your thoughts.Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims & their families in your thoughts.
Bill English, the prime minister of New Zealand, said:Bill English, the prime minister of New Zealand, said:
People have lost their young ones in this. So our condolences go out to any families who have suffered from this … It is devastating for parents if their young ones go off to entertainment, no one expects them to lose their lives in such a cruel and unpredictable way.People have lost their young ones in this. So our condolences go out to any families who have suffered from this … It is devastating for parents if their young ones go off to entertainment, no one expects them to lose their lives in such a cruel and unpredictable way.
5.14am BST5.14am BST
05:1405:14
Assistant chief constable Robin Smith of the British Transport Police (BTP) says extra officers, including armed officers, will be visible today in the wake of the Manchester explosion:Assistant chief constable Robin Smith of the British Transport Police (BTP) says extra officers, including armed officers, will be visible today in the wake of the Manchester explosion:
As the public would expect in response to an incident such as this, extra BTP officers will be on patrol at key railway stations as well as on trains around the country. Throughout the day, commuters can expect to see additional officers on their journey. This will include both armed and unarmed officers.As the public would expect in response to an incident such as this, extra BTP officers will be on patrol at key railway stations as well as on trains around the country. Throughout the day, commuters can expect to see additional officers on their journey. This will include both armed and unarmed officers.
My officers are there to reassure concerned members of the public and we’d ask people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour by calling the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 123.My officers are there to reassure concerned members of the public and we’d ask people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour by calling the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 123.
Until known otherwise, police are treating this as a terrorist incident. Incidents such as this will undoubtedly shock the nation, however, it is essential we stand together in unity against those who try to disrupt our lives.Until known otherwise, police are treating this as a terrorist incident. Incidents such as this will undoubtedly shock the nation, however, it is essential we stand together in unity against those who try to disrupt our lives.
Manchester Victoria station remains closed, with services being heavily disrupted or suspended, we continue to urge people to avoid the area whilst the recovery efforts continue. We advise morning commuters to check with Transport for Greater Manchester, National Rail Enquiries and Northern before travelling.Manchester Victoria station remains closed, with services being heavily disrupted or suspended, we continue to urge people to avoid the area whilst the recovery efforts continue. We advise morning commuters to check with Transport for Greater Manchester, National Rail Enquiries and Northern before travelling.
Here are those links:Here are those links:
Transport for Greater ManchesterTransport for Greater Manchester
National Rail EnquiriesNational Rail Enquiries
NorthernNorthern
5.08am BST5.08am BST
05:0805:08
The map shows the location of Manchester Arena; Victoria station, which is adjacent to the venue, remains closed with all trains services cancelled throughout Tuesday.The map shows the location of Manchester Arena; Victoria station, which is adjacent to the venue, remains closed with all trains services cancelled throughout Tuesday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.15am BSTat 5.15am BST
4.58am BST4.58am BST
04:5804:58
Our latest report is here; these are the key developments:Our latest report is here; these are the key developments:
At least 19 people have been killed and 50 injured after what is being investigated as a suspected suicide bombing of a crowded pop concert in Manchester, the most deadly attack in Britain in a decade.At least 19 people have been killed and 50 injured after what is being investigated as a suspected suicide bombing of a crowded pop concert in Manchester, the most deadly attack in Britain in a decade.
The horror unfolded at around 10.30pm on Monday at the end of a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande, whose music is popular with children and teenagers.The horror unfolded at around 10.30pm on Monday at the end of a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande, whose music is popular with children and teenagers.
The attack, which took place in the foyer area of the arena, left hundreds of people fleeing in terror, with young people at the concert separated from their parents in the chaos. It left carnage inside the concert venue, with medics describing treating wounds consistent with shrapnel injury.The attack, which took place in the foyer area of the arena, left hundreds of people fleeing in terror, with young people at the concert separated from their parents in the chaos. It left carnage inside the concert venue, with medics describing treating wounds consistent with shrapnel injury.
Initial examination of the scene around the explosion has prompted police to investigate whether a suicide bomber was responsible, the Guardian understands.Initial examination of the scene around the explosion has prompted police to investigate whether a suicide bomber was responsible, the Guardian understands.
The hunt for those behind the attack involves the police counter-terrorism network and Britain’s domestic security service MI5.The hunt for those behind the attack involves the police counter-terrorism network and Britain’s domestic security service MI5.
If confirmed as a terrorist attack the death toll would make it the worst event of its kind in Britain since the 7/7 bombing in 2005, which hit London’s transport network, killing 52 people.If confirmed as a terrorist attack the death toll would make it the worst event of its kind in Britain since the 7/7 bombing in 2005, which hit London’s transport network, killing 52 people.
4.45am BST4.45am BST
04:4504:45
This brief video explainer sets out what we know so far about the explosion that has killed 19 people:This brief video explainer sets out what we know so far about the explosion that has killed 19 people:
4.34am BST4.34am BST
04:3404:34
Helen PiddHelen Pidd
Our North of England editor is at Manchester Royal infirmary, where some of the wounded are being treated:Our North of England editor is at Manchester Royal infirmary, where some of the wounded are being treated:
MRI accident and emergency department is in “complete lockdown” according to staff. “It’s a crime scene,” said one, pointing to police forensics officers who are going in and out of the hospital with clear plastic evidence bags.MRI accident and emergency department is in “complete lockdown” according to staff. “It’s a crime scene,” said one, pointing to police forensics officers who are going in and out of the hospital with clear plastic evidence bags.
Police officers are guarding the doors, behind two red signs saying “major incident – no entry”. As ambulances began to arrive around midnight, staff cleared A&E of all patients unconnected to the Arena blast.Police officers are guarding the doors, behind two red signs saying “major incident – no entry”. As ambulances began to arrive around midnight, staff cleared A&E of all patients unconnected to the Arena blast.
Throughout the night relatives have arrived to see if their loved ones are here. Some have found them. Others get back in their car or taxi and check the next hospital.Throughout the night relatives have arrived to see if their loved ones are here. Some have found them. Others get back in their car or taxi and check the next hospital.
4.25am BST4.25am BST
04:2504:25
The Scottish National party was due to unveil its election manifesto on Tuesday; this has now been postponed.The Scottish National party was due to unveil its election manifesto on Tuesday; this has now been postponed.
SNP leader and Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon will instead chair a meeting of the devolved government’s resilience committee.SNP leader and Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon will instead chair a meeting of the devolved government’s resilience committee.
A statement from the first minister said:A statement from the first minister said:
My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.
The Scottish government is working with Police Scotland and the UK government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.The Scottish government is working with Police Scotland and the UK government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.
I will convene a meeting of the Scottish government’s resilience committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland.I will convene a meeting of the Scottish government’s resilience committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland.
4.19am BST4.19am BST
04:1904:19
Police say they are currently treating the explosion as a suspected terrorist attack.Police say they are currently treating the explosion as a suspected terrorist attack.
If it is terrorism, it would be the deadliest attack in the UK since the 7 July 2005 bombings in London in which four suicide bombers killed 52 people, as well as themselves, on three underground trains and a bus.If it is terrorism, it would be the deadliest attack in the UK since the 7 July 2005 bombings in London in which four suicide bombers killed 52 people, as well as themselves, on three underground trains and a bus.
In March this year, Khalid Masood killed five people in Westminster before being shot dead by a police officer.In March this year, Khalid Masood killed five people in Westminster before being shot dead by a police officer.