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Manchester Arena: children among 22 dead in suicide attack at Ariana Grande concert – latest Manchester Arena: children among 22 dead in suicide attack at Ariana Grande concert – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
9.18am BST
09:18
Trump expresses solidarity with UK
Donald Trump has condemned the attack. Speaking in Bethlehem he said: “We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.”
He said those responsible for the attack were “losers” and “wicked”.
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9.10am BST
09:10
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has added to the international chorus of condolence for Britain.
Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to the British Prime Minister following Manchester bomb attack
9.09am BST
09:09
These are from David Cameron, the former prime minister.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of last night's horrendous attack in Manchester and their loved ones. (1/2)
I praise and thank our brave emergency services and thoughtful, caring, resolute Manchester community. #standtogether (2/2)
9.08am BST
09:08
This is from Alexis Tsipras, the Greek prime minister.
We strongly condemn the heinous attack in Manchester-an attack against us all. We stand by the relatives of victims and the people of the UK
9.04am BST
09:04
Melania Trump, the US first lady, has tweeted this.
My thoughts and prayers to the families of #Manchester.
8.58am BST
08:58
Peter Beaumont
The Manchester bombing was also condemned by senior Israeli political figures including the country’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I am sending condolences to the families of those murdered and wishes of a speedy recovery to the wounded,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Terrorism is a global threat and it is incumbent on the enlightened countries to defeat it everywhere.”
Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog also offered his condolences. “A horrific attack in Manchester. My thoughts and condolences are with the British people, who I know will never be defeated by terror,” he writes on Twitter.
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8.56am BST
08:56
Merkel: 'shoulder to shoulder with UK'
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has spoken of her sadness and shock.
“People in the UK can rest assured that Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with them.”
Chancellor #Merkel on the attack in #Manchester: pic.twitter.com/WYEFp319dZ
Many world leaders have sent messages of support to the UK.
Writing on Twitter, India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, said he is “pained by the attack in Manchester”.
Pained by the attack in Manchester. We strongly condemn it. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.
The Indian president, Pranab Mukherjee, has also sent his condolences and prayers:
India stands by Government and people of UK in this hour of distress #PresidentMukherjee
Italy’s prime minister, Paolo Gentiloni, says his thoughts are with the victims.
Italia si unisce al popolo e al governo britannici. I nostri pensieri alle vittime dell'attacco di #Manchester e alle loro famiglie
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08:52
And flags are flying at half mast too outside the European commission HQ in Brussels.
Flags at half-mast-Today we mourn with you.Tomorrow we'll work side by side 2 fight back.They underestimate ours&your resilience #Manchester pic.twitter.com/M5FvtIbcob
8.46am BST8.46am BST
08:4608:46
Flags are flying at half mast over Downing Street.Flags are flying at half mast over Downing Street.
8.46am BST8.46am BST
08:4608:46
Sam JonesSam Jones
The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, condemned the atrocity, writes Sam Jones in Madrid.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.“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. MRCondeno 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”.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 gobiernoConsternado 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”.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.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.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 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 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.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.
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8.43am BST8.43am BST
08:4308:43
Andrew SparrowAndrew 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.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.Here is Amber Rudd, the home secretary, arriving at Downing Street a few minutes ago for the meeting.
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8.43am BST8.43am BST
08:4308:43
Severin CarrellSeverin 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.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: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.“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.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.”“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.”
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8.39am BST8.39am BST
08:3908:39
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: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.”“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.”
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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
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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”.
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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.
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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.”
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8.15am BST
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 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.
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.”
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8.11am BST
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.
#Manchester @EmmanuelMacron adresse au peuple britannique toute la compassion et la sollicitude de la France pic.twitter.com/gyPjZexeXe
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8.05am BST
08:05
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:
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.
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.
Andy Burnham on the Manchester attack (part 2). https://t.co/kxXmdXCryB
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8.01am BST
08:01
What we know so far
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
“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.
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.
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8.00am BST
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.
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.
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7.55am BST
07:55
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.
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.
Then the bang.
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.
“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.”