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Manchester Arena: children among 22 dead in suicide attack at Ariana Grande concert – latest updates 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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8.15am BST8.15am BST
08:1508:15
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has given this statement: 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
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8.11am BST8.11am BST
08:1108:11
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
UpdatedUpdated
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8.05am BST8.05am BST
08:0508:05
Matthew WeaverMatthew 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/kxXmdXCryBAndy Burnham on the Manchester attack (part 2). https://t.co/kxXmdXCryB
UpdatedUpdated
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8.01am BST8.01am BST
08:0108:01
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire 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.
UpdatedUpdated
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8.00am BST8.00am BST
08:0008:00
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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.00am BSTat 8.00am BST
7.55am BST7.55am BST
07:5507:55
Elle HuntElle 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.”
7.49am BST
07:49
The archbishop of Canterbury has tweeted his condolences to those affected:
Heroic Manchester, dark evil cannot overcome it. We pray for those in sorrow on the hard journey of loss & pain, & for those who protect us
The Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood, has joined other parties in halting election campaigning:
The thoughts and sympathies of all of us in Plaid Cymru go out to all the people affected by last night’s horrific events in Manchester. We will be suspending our campaigning today as a mark of respect to all of the families.
Updated
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7.43am BST
07:43
Peter Walker
Charlotte Campbell’s 15-year-old daughter, Olivia, is still missing after the concert. She spoke to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, where she began by saying when she last talked to her daughter:
She was at the concert. She’d just seen the support act and said she was having an amazing time, and thanking me for letting her go. She was with her friend, Adam. Adam was found about half an hour ago – he’s in hospital – but Olivia’s not been found yet.
I’m at home phoning everybody: hospitals, police, the centres that the children have been put in. Her dad’s in Manchester looking for her. I’ve got friends looking for her. I’ve got people I don’t even know looking for her, people messaging me, saying we’ve got her photo, looking for her, we’ll get in contact if we see her. And I’m just hearing nothing. Her phone’s dead.
Social media has been wonderful. I don’t know what I’ve have done without them, it’s made it so aware that she’s missing. There’s thousands of people who now know she’s missing, there’s people out looking for her I don’t know, and I can’t thank these people enough, giving their time up.
They’ve basically told me to stay put and wait for a phone call. I daren’t leave the house just in case she somehow gets home.
We have still not found OLIVIA CAMPBELL. If you see her please contact me ASAP. pic.twitter.com/8LboKg0B2n
Updated
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7.36am BST
07:36
Mayor Andy Burnham: 'This was an evil act'
Andy Burnham, the new mayor of Greater Manchester, has been speaking in the city about the attack, which he describes as “an evil act”. He says his thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends:
We will do whatever we can to support them. We are grieving today but we are strong.
He also pays tribute to the emergency services:
I want to thank the hundreds of police, fire and ambulance staff who worked through the night … I want to thank the people of Manchester: even in the minutes after the attack they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger … It will be that spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together.
Burnham says he was a minister in the Home Office during the 7/7 attacks on London, which killed 52 people:
I remember how London felt on that day, I remember it vividly … Manchester will pull together … that’s what we are, that’s what we do. They won’t win. This city has dealt with difficult things in the past and we will do so now.
Updated
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7.28am BST
07:28
The explosion happened moments after the end of a concert at Manchester Arena by Ariana Grande.
Grande, who was not hurt in the blast, tweeted earlier that she was “broken” by news of the casualties:
broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.
7.24am BST
07:24
The US president Donald Trump, on a visit to Israel, is being updated on the situation in Manchester, White House spokesman Sean Spicer has confirmed:
National Security Team is providing updates to @POTUS on situation in #manchesterexplosion
Updated
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7.18am BST
07:18
Key updates from the most recent police press conference:
The death toll has risen to 22.
Among the dead are children.
A further 59 people are injured and receiving treatment in eight hospitals across Greater Manchester.
Police believe the attack was carried out by one man, and are investigating if he was part of a wider network.
The man died at the scene after detonating an explosive device – a suicide bomber.
Updated
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7.15am BST
07:15
Police: full statement
Chief constable Ian Hopkins confirms that 22 people have died and a further 59 have been injured.
This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.
Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives. 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 continue to do all we can to support them. They are being treated at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester.
This is a fast-moving investigation and we have significant resources deployed to both the investigation and the visible patrols that people will see across Greater Manchester as they wake up to news of the events last night. This will include armed officers as people would expect. More than 400 officers have been involved in the operation during the night.
To remind you, we were called at 10.33pm to reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert. More than 250 calls came in and emergency services were very quickly on scene. Emergency numbers have been established for anyone who is concerned for loved ones who may not have returned home: 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.
We have been treating this as a terrorist incident and we believe that while the attack last night was conducted by one man. The priority is to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.
The attacker, I can confirm, died at the arena. We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated, causing this atrocity.
We would ask people not to speculate on his details or to share names. There is a complex and wide-ranging investigation under way.
Our priority is to work with the national counter-terrorist policing network and UK intelligence services to establish more details about the individual who carried out this attack.
Updated
at 7.33am BST
7.06am BST
07:06
Police: children have died
Hopkins confirms that children are among the 22 people confirmed to have died.
7.04am BST
07:04
Police: sole attacker died at scene
Chief constable Ian Hopkins says the attacker died in the explosion.
He says that while police believe the man was acting alone in the attack last night, investigations are ongoing to establish if he was part of a network.
He says police believe the man was “carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated causing this atrocity”.
6.59am BST
06:59
Death toll rises to 22
Greater Manchester police says 22 people have died, and 59 injured.