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Manchester Arena: children among 22 dead in suicide attack at Ariana Grande concert – latest | |
(35 minutes later) | |
8.46am BST | |
08:46 | |
Flags are flying at half mast over Downing Street. | |
8.46am BST | |
08:46 | |
Sam Jones | |
The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, condemned the atrocity, writes Sam Jones in Madrid. | |
“My condolences to the families of the dead and my best wishes for the victims’ speedy recovery,” Rajoy said on Twitter. | |
Condeno el ataque de Manchester. Mi pesar a las familias de las víctimas fallecidas y mis deseos de pronta recuperación a los heridos. MR | |
The country’s foreign minister, Alfonso Dastis, said he was distressed by the attack and offered “my solidarity to all the victims and the British people, and my total support to the government”. | |
Consternado por el terrible ataque en #Manchester. Mi solidaridad con todas las víctimas y el pueblo británico, y mi apoyo total al gobierno | |
Pedro Sánchez, the recently re-elected leader of Spain’s socialist party, said that his thoughts were with the victims and their families and called for “unity to stop so much fanaticism”. | |
Impactado por el atentado ocurrido en Manchester. Mi afecto hacia las víctimas y sus familias. Unidad para frenar tanto fanatismo. | |
In a statement, Spain’s foreign ministry said the country had been “horrified” by the attack. | |
“The government forcefully and unequivocally condemns these vile acts and hopes that those responsible will face justice for their crimes as swiftly as possible,” it said. | |
“The government, in the name of the Spanish people, sends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and reiterates its support and solidarity with the British people and authorities. | |
The ministry added that while there was so far nothing to suggest that any Spanish citizens had been injured or killed, its consulates in London and Edinburgh were in close contact with the British authorities. | |
Updated | |
at 8.48am BST | |
8.43am BST | |
08:43 | |
Andrew Sparrow | |
Theresa May is chairing a meeting of Cobra, the government’s emergency committee, to discuss the Manchester attack this morning. It is due to start at 9am. | |
Here is Amber Rudd, the home secretary, arriving at Downing Street a few minutes ago for the meeting. | |
Updated | |
at 8.45am BST | |
8.43am BST | |
08:43 | |
Severin Carrell | |
The Scottish Labour leader, Kezia Dugdale, has joined political leaders in suspending all general election campaigning, with the Scottish National party cancelling the launch this morning of its election manifesto. | |
Dugdale issued a statement on the Manchester attack to say: | |
“This is a barbaric and sickening attack, targeted at young and vulnerable people enjoying a night at a concert. It is a heartbreaking moment for our country, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and with those who are injured. | |
Across the UK we are today grieving for the people of Manchester. I pay tribute to the dedication of the brave emergency service workers who ran into danger. | |
“We have all been moved by the actions of ordinary people who opened their doors, cared for scared youngsters, provided transport to concert-goers, and are giving blood at donor banks to help those injured. This great city is today demonstrating to the world the true spirit of Manchester.” | |
Updated | |
at 8.46am BST | |
8.39am BST | |
08:39 | |
The Greens have confirmed that they are also suspending all election activities, among them the planned manifesto launch by the Welsh Greens. The party’s co-leader, Jonathan Bartley, said: | |
“Our thoughts are with those affected by this appalling incident in Manchester. For young people to be targeted in this way is utterly atrocious. As ever our emergency services have done us proud – and we pay tribute to the police, firefighters and paramedics who stepped up in this time of need. Our country will never be divided by terror.” | |
Updated | |
at 8.41am BST | |
8.37am BST | |
08:37 | |
Security reviewed in London | |
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed that security is being reviewed and stepped up in the capital. | |
“I am in constant contact with the Metropolitan police, who are reviewing security arrangements in London. Londoners will see more police on our streets,” he said. | |
My statement on the barbaric and sickening attack in Manchester last night. London stands with Manchester today. https://t.co/S2dUbSzViG pic.twitter.com/THHp0rWxd8 | |
Updated | |
at 8.40am BST | |
8.34am BST | |
08:34 | |
Kim Willsher | |
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed his “horror” and “distress” at the Manchester attack. The Élysée Palace said Macron was planning to speak to Theresa May later today, writes Kim Willsher. | |
In a statement (see earlier) the recently elected French leader said he sent the British people France’s “compassion and sorrow” and pledged to continue working with Britain to fight terrorism. | |
France’s prime minister, Édouard Philippe, condemned what he called “the most cowardly terrorism” that had “specifically and clearly” targeted young people going to a concert. | |
“In the face of this abominable crime, I would like to express to the citizens of Manchester and the British people, my sadness, the French people’s solidarity and unwavering friendship,” Philippe told AFP. | |
French government spokesman Christophe Castaner tweeted: “Once more attacked, our democracies must work together. My thoughts and solidarity go to the victims, their families and the British...” | |
Interior minister Gérard Collomb also Tweeted sympathy to Manchester. The Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, wrote on Twitter: “Tonight Paris stands with Manchester”. | |
French-Canadian singer Céline Dion wrote: “Manchester, I am with you. All my love”. | |
Updated | |
at 8.39am BST | |
8.32am BST | |
08:32 | |
Matthew Taylor | |
A report of a suspicious package at Victoria coach station in London this morning was a false alarm, according to the Metropolitan police. | |
The reported suspect package at Victoria Coach Station has now been cleared. Not suspicious. Thanks for your patience. | |
Updated | |
at 8.39am BST | |
8.19am BST | |
08:19 | |
Steven Morris | |
Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester city council, has spoken of the city’s determination to defeat terrorism. Speaking alongside Andy Burnham, Leese said: | |
“Our thought are with the families and friends of the victims. As a city we will have to take some time to grieve. We have to ensure that terrorism never wins so business as usual as much as possible, communities coming together – we will not allow this to divide us. As citizens of Manchester demonstrated last night, this city will pull together. A dark day but something that Manchester in its unique way will make sure we turn into a strength. We need to be alert but we must not be afraid.” | |
Updated | |
at 8.25am BST | |
8.15am BST | 8.15am BST |
08:15 | 08:15 |
The European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, has given this statement: | |
“It was with great sadness and profound shock that I learnt of the brutal attack that struck Manchester. | “It was with great sadness and profound shock that I learnt of the brutal attack that struck Manchester. |
It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instil fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration. | It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instil fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration. |
I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Prime Minister May and to the British people. | I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Prime Minister May and to the British people. |
Today we mourn with you. Tomorrow we will work side by side with you to fight back against those who seek to destroy our way of life. They underestimate ours and your resilience – these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our commitment to work together to defeat the perpetrators of such vile acts.” | Today we mourn with you. Tomorrow we will work side by side with you to fight back against those who seek to destroy our way of life. They underestimate ours and your resilience – these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our commitment to work together to defeat the perpetrators of such vile acts.” |
Updated | |
at 8.17am BST | |
8.11am BST | 8.11am BST |
08:11 | 08:11 |
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has spoken of his horror and consternation at the attack. In a statement he offered his sympathies to the British people and promised that France and Britain would work together to combat terrorism. He also said he would speak to Theresa May later today. | The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has spoken of his horror and consternation at the attack. In a statement he offered his sympathies to the British people and promised that France and Britain would work together to combat terrorism. He also said he would speak to Theresa May later today. |
#Manchester @EmmanuelMacron adresse au peuple britannique toute la compassion et la sollicitude de la France pic.twitter.com/gyPjZexeXe | #Manchester @EmmanuelMacron adresse au peuple britannique toute la compassion et la sollicitude de la France pic.twitter.com/gyPjZexeXe |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.14am BST | at 8.14am BST |
8.05am BST | 8.05am BST |
08:05 | 08:05 |
Matthew Weaver | Matthew Weaver |
The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, was asked how the attack compared with the 7/7 attack in London in 2005. He said: | The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, was asked how the attack compared with the 7/7 attack in London in 2005. He said: |
I was in the Home Office as a minister on that day, and I remember how London felt on that day. I remember it very vividly. London pulled together in exactly the same way that Manchester is its own unique way will pull together. We will stand strong, and stand together, that’s what we are. That’s what we do. So they won’t win. We are grieving, we are hurt today, but as I said we are strong. And this city has dealt with difficult days in the past and we do so now. | I was in the Home Office as a minister on that day, and I remember how London felt on that day. I remember it very vividly. London pulled together in exactly the same way that Manchester is its own unique way will pull together. We will stand strong, and stand together, that’s what we are. That’s what we do. So they won’t win. We are grieving, we are hurt today, but as I said we are strong. And this city has dealt with difficult days in the past and we do so now. |
Burnham also confirmed that he would be taking part in the government’s emergency Cobra meeting via video-link from Manchester. | Burnham also confirmed that he would be taking part in the government’s emergency Cobra meeting via video-link from Manchester. |
He said: “I will be heading over to Greater Manchester police force headquarters after this press call to take part in the Cobra meeting alongside the police constable. There will be a further update after that. We will work with the government to give the people the reassurance that they need, and to insure that, as far as possible, that we return to business as usual in the city.” | He said: “I will be heading over to Greater Manchester police force headquarters after this press call to take part in the Cobra meeting alongside the police constable. There will be a further update after that. We will work with the government to give the people the reassurance that they need, and to insure that, as far as possible, that we return to business as usual in the city.” |
Steve Morris in Manchester has this footage of his statement. | Steve Morris in Manchester has this footage of his statement. |
Andy Burnham on the Manchester attack (part 2). https://t.co/kxXmdXCryB | Andy Burnham on the Manchester attack (part 2). https://t.co/kxXmdXCryB |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.14am BST | at 8.14am BST |
8.01am BST | 8.01am BST |
08:01 | 08:01 |
What we know so far | What we know so far |
Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
Police have confirmed that 22 people have been killed – including some children – and 59 injured after an explosion at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande. | Police have confirmed that 22 people have been killed – including some children – and 59 injured after an explosion at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande. |
Greater Manchester police say the perpetrator was a man acting alone, who died at the scene after detonating an improvised explosive device. | Greater Manchester police say the perpetrator was a man acting alone, who died at the scene after detonating an improvised explosive device. |
Investigators are trying to establish whether the bomber was part of a wider network. | Investigators are trying to establish whether the bomber was part of a wider network. |
The blast took place outside the arena, in the public foyer, shortly after 10.30pm, minutes after the concert ended. | The blast took place outside the arena, in the public foyer, shortly after 10.30pm, minutes after the concert ended. |
No identities of those killed or injured have been confirmed. No arrests have been made. The wounded are receiving treatment in eight hospitals across Greater Manchester. | No identities of those killed or injured have been confirmed. No arrests have been made. The wounded are receiving treatment in eight hospitals across Greater Manchester. |
The prime minister, Theresa May, will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee at 9am today. In an overnight statement, May said: | The prime minister, Theresa May, will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee at 9am today. 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, Tim Farron, Leanne Wood and Paul Nuttall also expressed condolences. Campaigning for June’s general election has been suspended. | Party leaders Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon, Tim Farron, Leanne Wood and Paul Nuttall also expressed condolences. Campaigning for June’s general election has been suspended. |
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham called it “an evil act” that would not succeed in breaking the spirit of the city. | Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham called it “an evil act” that would not succeed in breaking the spirit of the city. |
Ariana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, tweeted that she was: | Ariana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, 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 have 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 have set up a hotline for those concerned about relatives or friends who might have been caught up in the Manchester explosion: 0161 856 9400. |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.15am BST | at 8.15am BST |
8.00am BST | 8.00am BST |
08:00 | 08:00 |
The Lee Rigby Foundation, which offers support for bereaved families in memory of the soldier who was murdered by terrorists in 2013, has tweeted its shock and sorrow at last night’s attack. | The Lee Rigby Foundation, which offers support for bereaved families in memory of the soldier who was murdered by terrorists in 2013, has tweeted its shock and sorrow at last night’s attack. |
Rigby was killed on 22 May 2013; the Manchester attack fell on the fourth anniversary of his death. | Rigby was killed on 22 May 2013; the Manchester attack fell on the fourth anniversary of his death. |
We are deeply shocked and saddened at the dreadful terrorist attack in #ManchesterArena & send our deepest sympathies to all those affected. | We are deeply shocked and saddened at the dreadful terrorist attack in #ManchesterArena & send our deepest sympathies to all those affected. |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.00am BST | at 8.00am BST |
7.55am BST | 7.55am BST |
07:55 | 07:55 |
Elle Hunt | Elle Hunt |
For some it sounded muffled and far away, as though somewhere in the distance a big balloon had popped. For others the terror was all too immediately apparent. | For some it sounded muffled and far away, as though somewhere in the distance a big balloon had popped. For others the terror was all too immediately apparent. |
The lights had just come on and Ariana Grande had left the stage after concluding an elaborate three-hour, four-part entertainment extravaganza with an encore performance of her latest single, Dangerous Woman. | The lights had just come on and Ariana Grande had left the stage after concluding an elaborate three-hour, four-part entertainment extravaganza with an encore performance of her latest single, Dangerous Woman. |
At 10.30pm following a sold-out show in the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena, thousands of fans began to gather up their belongings and filter slowly out of four exits. | At 10.30pm following a sold-out show in the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena, thousands of fans began to gather up their belongings and filter slowly out of four exits. |
Then the bang. | Then the bang. |
For the first milliseconds, minds did not immediately connect the sound with an explosion or a bomb. | For the first milliseconds, minds did not immediately connect the sound with an explosion or a bomb. |
“It sounded like a big balloon popping, but it was kind of muffled, like it wasn’t in the stadium itself,” said a young Mancunian fan, identified as Sammy, in a video he recorded of his experience and posted on Periscope. | “It sounded like a big balloon popping, but it was kind of muffled, like it wasn’t in the stadium itself,” said a young Mancunian fan, identified as Sammy, in a video he recorded of his experience and posted on Periscope. |
“There were a few screams, then there was silence. Then the whole arena literally split like the Red Sea – everyone was trampling over each other, sprinting to get to the nearest exit. It was like a scene out of a horror movie.” | “There were a few screams, then there was silence. Then the whole arena literally split like the Red Sea – everyone was trampling over each other, sprinting to get to the nearest exit. It was like a scene out of a horror movie.” |