This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/may/22/manchester-arena-ariana-grande-concert-explosion-england

The article has changed 54 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 24 Version 25
Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest
(35 minutes later)
2.34pm BST
14:34
Polish citizens are among those missing after the attack, the Polish foreign ministry has confirmed to Jakub Krupa from the Polish Press Agency.
CONFIRMED: Polish MFA says Polish citizens are among the people missing after last night's terrorist attack in Manchester.
He says Angelika and Marcin Klis are reported missing.
Two Polish citizens, Angelika and Marcin Klis, reported missing after the Manchester attack last night; no verified reports about their fate pic.twitter.com/d38g5Mx1ff
Updated
at 2.37pm BST
2.23pm BST
14:23
The RMT has suspended a planned strike next week on Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Southern Rail in the wake of the Manchester attack.
Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary, said: “In light of the horrific bombing in Manchester last night, and the heightened safety and security alerts on our transport services, RMT’s executive has taken the decision to suspend the 24 hours of strike action scheduled for Tuesday 30 May on Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Southern Rail.
“Our thoughts and solidarity at this time are with the people of Manchester.”
Updated
at 2.32pm BST
2.15pm BST
14:15
It seems that the controlled explosion in Fallowfield occurred on Elsmore Road. The Press Association has this:
Armed police sealed off Elsmore Road this morning as residents heard a large bang in the street.
Rosemary Ward, 21, said: “They were all running out of the house when a big bomb went off. That’s obviously what it was because the whole house was shaking. Everyone was panicking. I heard there was 20 people in that one house. It was scary.”
She said: “I’m shaking. I’m just worried about my child.”
Ward added: “It was the bang that shook us up. I started crying and just picked my child up.” She said the police operation was at about 11.30am.
There was s reportedly a controlled explosion here a few hours ago. pic.twitter.com/PV23szWntn
Updated
at 2.31pm BST
2.10pm BST
14:10
Jamie Grierson
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, arrived at Royal Manchester Children’s hospital on Tuesday afternoon but declined to comment as he rushed into the building.
Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospitals in the city, medical staff told reporters outside the Manchester Royal infirmary.
David Ratcliffe, the medical director of the North West ambulance service, said 12 patients were taken by ambulance to the children’s Hospital. Nine were taken to the neighbouring infirmary. Others were taken to hospitals across Greater Manchester.
In a statement, Jon Rouse, the chief officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, expressed “deep condolences” to the victims and their families.
“It’s been a terrible night and morning in terms of Greater Manchester,” he said. “Although we have also seen some of the best aspects of Greater Manchester and the people who live there as well.”
Dozens of cameras and reporters are assembled outside the infirmary in an otherwise calm atmosphere.
Rouse added: “Clearly there are a number of individuals who have very, very serious injuries and are requiring intensive care and people who are going to be in hospital for a long time in terms of that treatment.”
Ratcliffe said: “We sent 60 vehicles to the site, along with highly specialised crews, highly specialised teams, that were able to stabilise patients at the scene and ensure that they received the right treatment at the scene before evacuation to hospital. We took 59 patients to local A&Es around the Greater Manchester area.”
He said nine patients had been taken to the infirmary, six to Salford Royal Foundation Trust, six to the University Hospital of South Manchester, six to Stepping Hill, eight to Bolton hospital, seven to the Royal Oldham hospital and five to North Manchester hospital.
Updated
at 2.35pm BST
2.06pm BST2.06pm BST
14:0614:06
Jason BurkeJason Burke
The Isis claim of responsibility (see earlier) was expected by most analysts given the timing, type and target of the Manchester bombing, writes Jason Burke. The Isis claim of responsibility (see earlier) was expected by most analysts given the timing, type and target of the Manchester bombing
It obviously comes after a series of attacks executed by Isis networks or sympathisers (or both) across Europe, including the UK. The attacks have varied in some aspects but are all clearly part of the same effort by the group to terrorise western European populations, polarise communities and motivate their own supporters.It obviously comes after a series of attacks executed by Isis networks or sympathisers (or both) across Europe, including the UK. The attacks have varied in some aspects but are all clearly part of the same effort by the group to terrorise western European populations, polarise communities and motivate their own supporters.
Experts have long predicated a wave of violence as the group’s strongholds in the Syria and Iraq crumble under military pressure. Experts have long predicted a wave of violence as the group’s strongholds in Syria and Iraq crumble under military pressure.
Those predictions were partly based on the idea of a wave of British, French, Belgian and German veterans of the war in Iraq and Syria returning to their former homes. It is unclear if that is happening, or if this latest attack was executed by such an individual or by someone whose connections with the group, if any existed at all, appear very tenuous. The claim of responsibility provides some clues. Those predictions were partly based on the idea of a wave of British, French, Belgian and German veterans of the terrorist group’s war in Iraq and Syria returning to their former homes. It is unclear if that is happening generally, or if this latest attack was executed by such an individual or by someone whose connections with the group are tenuous, or even exist at all. The claim of responsibility provides some clues.
Until recently, Isis claims were seen as credible. The group only claimed attacks which were linked directly or indirectly to it, and it was often careful to indicate whether an attacker had been inspired or directed in the vocabulary used in its communications. Until recently, Isis claims were seen as credible. The group only claimed attacks that were directly or indirectly linked to it, and it was often careful to indicate through the vocabulary used in its communications whether an attacker had been inspired or directed by the group.
Casualties were often inflated - here the claim is of 100 crusaders - but claims of links to the attackers were usually substantiated. Sometimes claims included inaccuracies - an early communiqué after the November 2015 attacks in Paris listed a bombing among the various attacks launched by its cell which didn’t happen - but this seems more due to operational issues rather than a desire to brag, deny, obfuscate or invent. Casualty numbers were often inflated here the claim is of 100 “crusaders” but claims of links to the attackers were usually substantiated. Sometimes claims included inaccuracies an early message after the November 2015 attacks in Paris included a bombing, which didn’t happen, among the various attacks launched by its cell but this seems more due to operational issues than a desire to brag, deny, obfuscate or invent.
More recently, however, the claims have been demonstrably less accurate. Isis claimed the Nice truck attack last year, though no evidence has emerged of any links between the group and the man who murdered more than 80 people in the French city during the 14th July parade. More recently, however, the claims have been demonstrably less accurate. Isis claimed responsibility for the truck attack in Nice last year, though no evidence has emerged of any links between the group and the man who murdered more than 80 people in the French city during the 14 July celebrations.
It also claimed the Westminster attack in London in March, though again, there is nothing to indicate anyone from the organisation was in touch with Khalid Massood, the extremist who drove a truck into pedestrians and stabbed a policeman outside Parliament. It also claimed responsibility for the Westminster attack in London in March, though again, there is nothing to indicate anyone from the organisation was in touch with Khalid Massood, the extremist who drove a car into pedestrians and stabbed a police officer outside parliament.
Some details of the group’s claim of responsibility for the recent Champs Élysée shooting - by a radicalised police-hating career criminal - just before the French election also appear wide of the mark.In recent years analysts have looked at the timing of claims. If they were issued quickly and included some telling operational detail that would only be known to conspirators then that obviously indicated Isis had prior knowledge of the attack. If they were slower and lacked precision then it implied the group was more distanced. Some details of the group’s claim of responsibility for the recent Champs Élysée shooting by a radicalised, police-hating career criminal just before the French election also appeared to be wide of the mark.
In several cases, Isis provided proof of its deep involvement by publishing pre-recorded videos of attackers, though some of these appear to have reached the group only as the attack was underway. We will have to see if this kind of evidence now emerges. The Manchester claim has some inaccuracies and gaps: it appears to indicate that several explosive devices were left at the arena rather than a single one being set off by the bomber as a suicide attack; and, unusually, the nom de guerre of the attacker is not given. The former confusion may indicate that a planned operation went awry, with perhaps the bomber setting off the explosives early by accident. The latter omission is harder to explain if Isis was deeply involved in the attack.
In recent years, analysts have looked at the timing of claims. If they were issued quickly – and included some telling operational detail that would only be known to conspirators – then that indicated Isis had prior knowledge of the attack. If they were slower and lacked precision then it implied the group was more distant.
In several cases, Isis provided proof of its deep involvement by publishing pre-recorded videos of attackers, though some of these appear to have reached the group only as the attack was under way. We will have to see if this kind of evidence emerges.
What we haven’t had yet is Isis claiming an attack that has absolutely nothing to do with their agenda and ideology, which is important in working out who was responsible for this tragedy. Clearly we will know more when we learn something concrete about the identity of the bomber.What we haven’t had yet is Isis claiming an attack that has absolutely nothing to do with their agenda and ideology, which is important in working out who was responsible for this tragedy. Clearly we will know more when we learn something concrete about the identity of the bomber.
Islamic State's official statement re #Manchester, w/ dubious figures re casualties, distributed on Nashir News channels before Amaq report pic.twitter.com/bQ17QSmxw5Islamic State's official statement re #Manchester, w/ dubious figures re casualties, distributed on Nashir News channels before Amaq report pic.twitter.com/bQ17QSmxw5
Updated
at 2.38pm BST
1.54pm BST1.54pm BST
13:5413:54
Sandra LavilleSandra Laville
A witness in Wilbraham Road, south-west Manchester, has confirmed that an arrest took place there this morning.A witness in Wilbraham Road, south-west Manchester, has confirmed that an arrest took place there this morning.
Bob Down, who works at a PR agency above the Elektric Club in the road, said: “There were police in a couple of cars and I saw them with one guy putting him into the back of a police van. it was quite low key. They guy looked quite young.”Bob Down, who works at a PR agency above the Elektric Club in the road, said: “There were police in a couple of cars and I saw them with one guy putting him into the back of a police van. it was quite low key. They guy looked quite young.”
We cannot confirm reports that this was the 23-year-old arrested by Manchester police.We cannot confirm reports that this was the 23-year-old arrested by Manchester police.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.57pm BSTat 1.57pm BST
1.52pm BST1.52pm BST
13:5213:52
Theresa May and Amber Rudd, the home secretary, have arrived at the Greater Manchester police HQ.Theresa May and Amber Rudd, the home secretary, have arrived at the Greater Manchester police HQ.
Prime Minister and Home Secretary arriving at GMP police headquarters pic.twitter.com/mrRWsTiukoPrime Minister and Home Secretary arriving at GMP police headquarters pic.twitter.com/mrRWsTiuko
1.50pm BST1.50pm BST
13:5013:50
Controlled explosion in Fallowfield, south ManchesterControlled explosion in Fallowfield, south Manchester
Manchester police have conducted a controlled explosion and made two more arrests. Manchester police have conducted a controlled explosion.
In a brief statement the force said:In a brief statement the force said:
Police have executed warrants, one in Whalley Range, and one in Fallowfield, where a controlled explosion took place, as part of the investigation into last night’s horrific attack at the Manchester Arena.Police have executed warrants, one in Whalley Range, and one in Fallowfield, where a controlled explosion took place, as part of the investigation into last night’s horrific attack at the Manchester Arena.
pic.twitter.com/CzJ1Cyjtfupic.twitter.com/CzJ1Cyjtfu
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.58pm BST at 2.25pm BST
1.47pm BST1.47pm BST
13:4713:47
Journalist Ed Caesar, who has written for the Sunday Times and the New Yorker, tweets a picture of the man he claims is the 23-year-old who was arrested by police this morning near his home.Journalist Ed Caesar, who has written for the Sunday Times and the New Yorker, tweets a picture of the man he claims is the 23-year-old who was arrested by police this morning near his home.
This cannot be verified. The location of the photograph is Wilbraham Road in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.This cannot be verified. The location of the photograph is Wilbraham Road in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
Photo from a friend. Definitely my neighbourhood. pic.twitter.com/qBGLk1jagtPhoto from a friend. Definitely my neighbourhood. pic.twitter.com/qBGLk1jagt
I'm in Manchester centre but being told the man was arrested by armed police outside my local branch of Morrison's, in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.I'm in Manchester centre but being told the man was arrested by armed police outside my local branch of Morrison's, in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.49pm BSTat 1.49pm BST
1.30pm BST1.30pm BST
13:3013:30
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
David Semple, the chairman of the Manchester Conservative Federation, said he had heard rumours that the suicide bomber may have lived in the flats in Whalley Range being raided by the police. He said:David Semple, the chairman of the Manchester Conservative Federation, said he had heard rumours that the suicide bomber may have lived in the flats in Whalley Range being raided by the police. He said:
We saw loads of police cars coming down the street and just followed them. Can’t believe it really.We saw loads of police cars coming down the street and just followed them. Can’t believe it really.
We heard he could be from here but not 100%. They are signing everyone out of the apartments now – it all feels very strange.We heard he could be from here but not 100%. They are signing everyone out of the apartments now – it all feels very strange.
Armed police remained at the scene and the gates to the complex remained locked. A mother and her newborn baby were allowed to leave the complex and she was met by her relatives but no one else has been allowed to leave.Armed police remained at the scene and the gates to the complex remained locked. A mother and her newborn baby were allowed to leave the complex and she was met by her relatives but no one else has been allowed to leave.
Hassan Swn, 26, a Palestinian student, said police were not allowing residents to collect their cars. The project management graduate, said:Hassan Swn, 26, a Palestinian student, said police were not allowing residents to collect their cars. The project management graduate, said:
I had a job interview but can’t go because they won’t let me get my car. They said something serious is happening but we don’t know exactly what it’s going on.I had a job interview but can’t go because they won’t let me get my car. They said something serious is happening but we don’t know exactly what it’s going on.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.59pm BSTat 1.59pm BST
1.29pm BST1.29pm BST
13:2913:29
Robert BoothRobert Booth
Robert Booth has been speaking to a witness of today’s raid in south Manchester.Robert Booth has been speaking to a witness of today’s raid in south Manchester.
Neil Labrow, a resident of the Royston Court apartment complex in Whalley Range, where armed police were engaged in a raid at lunchtime, said he didn’t want to leave his flat while the police operation was under way.Neil Labrow, a resident of the Royston Court apartment complex in Whalley Range, where armed police were engaged in a raid at lunchtime, said he didn’t want to leave his flat while the police operation was under way.
He said in a phone call that residents had been told by police that they could leave, but they would not be able to return to their homes until further notice.He said in a phone call that residents had been told by police that they could leave, but they would not be able to return to their homes until further notice.
From his window he said he could see three officers in helmets, carrying guns “like you see them using at the airport”.From his window he said he could see three officers in helmets, carrying guns “like you see them using at the airport”.
He said the activity appeared to be focused on a recently built block of mostly two-bedroom apartments.He said the activity appeared to be focused on a recently built block of mostly two-bedroom apartments.
“There’s quite a turnover of population so you don’t get to know people,” he said.“There’s quite a turnover of population so you don’t get to know people,” he said.
“There are quite a few Asian families, many students that bring their families over. It was a rough area but over the years it has got much better and there’s not much trouble.”“There are quite a few Asian families, many students that bring their families over. It was a rough area but over the years it has got much better and there’s not much trouble.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.34pm BSTat 1.34pm BST
1.25pm BST1.25pm BST
13:2513:25
Twelve children among the woundedTwelve children among the wounded
Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospital after the attack, according to David Ratcliffe, the medical director of North West ambulance service.Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospital after the attack, according to David Ratcliffe, the medical director of North West ambulance service.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.34pm BSTat 1.34pm BST
1.22pm BST1.22pm BST
13:2213:22
Isis claims responsibilityIsis claims responsibility
More on Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack. “A soldier of the Caliphate managed to place explosive devises in the midst of gatherings of the Crusaders in the British City of Manchester,” its news service said.More on Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack. “A soldier of the Caliphate managed to place explosive devises in the midst of gatherings of the Crusaders in the British City of Manchester,” its news service said.
A statement from Islamic State claiming responsibility for last night's attack has been released in English as well now. pic.twitter.com/xiYXf4hKfrA statement from Islamic State claiming responsibility for last night's attack has been released in English as well now. pic.twitter.com/xiYXf4hKfr
IS Claims Credit for Manchester Bombing, Killing and Wounding Nearly 100 https://t.co/8FZh8E5sAzIS Claims Credit for Manchester Bombing, Killing and Wounding Nearly 100 https://t.co/8FZh8E5sAz
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.54pm BSTat 1.54pm BST
1.19pm BST1.19pm BST
13:1913:19
Here is the White House read-out of President Trump’s phone call with Theresa May.Here is the White House read-out of President Trump’s phone call with Theresa May.
President Donald J Trump spoke this morning from Jerusalem with prime minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom about the apparent terrorist act in Manchester, England.President Donald J Trump spoke this morning from Jerusalem with prime minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom about the apparent terrorist act in Manchester, England.
The two leaders agreed that this attack – which targeted teenage children and their friends at a joyous event – was particularly wanton and depraved.The two leaders agreed that this attack – which targeted teenage children and their friends at a joyous event – was particularly wanton and depraved.
The president reassured the prime minister that Americans stand with the people of the United Kingdom and that our resolve will never waiver in the face of terrorism. He offered American aid in the United Kingdom’s investigation and vowed to continue the mutual fight against terrorism.The president reassured the prime minister that Americans stand with the people of the United Kingdom and that our resolve will never waiver in the face of terrorism. He offered American aid in the United Kingdom’s investigation and vowed to continue the mutual fight against terrorism.
Both leaders commended the courage, speed and professionalism of those who responded to the wounded, secured the innocent, and tended to the survivors and their families.Both leaders commended the courage, speed and professionalism of those who responded to the wounded, secured the innocent, and tended to the survivors and their families.
The president said he looks forward to seeing prime minister May in person this week and discussing America’s unbreakable commitment to the United Kingdom and the ways both countries can work with allies and partners around the world to defeat terrorism.The president said he looks forward to seeing prime minister May in person this week and discussing America’s unbreakable commitment to the United Kingdom and the ways both countries can work with allies and partners around the world to defeat terrorism.
May and Trump are due to meet later this week at a G7 meeting in Sicily.May and Trump are due to meet later this week at a G7 meeting in Sicily.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.22pm BSTat 1.22pm BST
1.15pm BST1.15pm BST
13:1513:15
Saffie Rose Roussos, aged eight, is second victim to be namedSaffie Rose Roussos, aged eight, is second victim to be named
Sandra LavilleSandra Laville
A “beautiful little girl” has been named as a victim of the suspected suicide attack after the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that has left at least 22 dead and 59 people injured.A “beautiful little girl” has been named as a victim of the suspected suicide attack after the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that has left at least 22 dead and 59 people injured.
Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, was at the concert with her mother, Lisa, and sister Ashlee Bromwich, who were later found injured in separate hospitals.Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, was at the concert with her mother, Lisa, and sister Ashlee Bromwich, who were later found injured in separate hospitals.
Chris Upton, the headteacher at Tarleton Community primary school, where Saffie was a pupil said:Chris Upton, the headteacher at Tarleton Community primary school, where Saffie was a pupil said:
Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.
The news of her death had come as a “tremendous shock”, he added. “The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.”The news of her death had come as a “tremendous shock”, he added. “The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.”
The tight-knit school would be helping staff and pupils to cope with the shocking news, he said.The tight-knit school would be helping staff and pupils to cope with the shocking news, he said.
Saffie was at the concert with her mother Lisa and her sister Ash. It is understood Lisa and Ash are being treated in hospitalSaffie was at the concert with her mother Lisa and her sister Ash. It is understood Lisa and Ash are being treated in hospital
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.27pm BSTat 1.27pm BST
1.14pm BST1.14pm BST
13:1413:14
What we know so far about the attack:What we know so far about the attack:
At least 22 people, including children, have been killed and 59 injured in a suicide bombing at a crowded pop concert in Manchester, the most deadly attack in Britain in a decade. The horror unfolded at about 10.30pm on Monday at the end of a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande, whose music is popular with children and teenagers.At least 22 people, including children, have been killed and 59 injured in a suicide bombing at a crowded pop concert in Manchester, the most deadly attack in Britain in a decade. The horror unfolded at about 10.30pm on Monday at the end of a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande, whose music is popular with children and teenagers.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to an unverified report by Reuters. Greater Manchester police say the perpetrator was a man acting alone, who died at the scene after detonating an improvised explosive device.Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to an unverified report by Reuters. Greater Manchester police say the perpetrator was a man acting alone, who died at the scene after detonating an improvised explosive device.
Manchester police have confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old in connection with last night’s attack. Officers in riot gear with guns have also raided a flat on the Whalley Range/Chorlton border. Investigators are trying to establish whether the bomber was part of a wider network.Manchester police have confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old in connection with last night’s attack. Officers in riot gear with guns have also raided a flat on the Whalley Range/Chorlton border. Investigators are trying to establish whether the bomber was part of a wider network.
Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre was evacuated after a security alert as the atmosphere in the city remains tense. Manchester police confirmed that a man was arrested in the centre in an operation thought to be unrelated to the attack.Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre was evacuated after a security alert as the atmosphere in the city remains tense. Manchester police confirmed that a man was arrested in the centre in an operation thought to be unrelated to the attack.
Some of the first victims have been been named. Runshaw College, where 18-year-old Georgina Callander was a student, released a statement, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday’s Manchester attack was one of our students.” It was also confirmed that eight-year-old Saffie Roussos was killed in that attack.Some of the first victims have been been named. Runshaw College, where 18-year-old Georgina Callander was a student, released a statement, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday’s Manchester attack was one of our students.” It was also confirmed that eight-year-old Saffie Roussos was killed in that attack.
A large area around the Manchester 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 Manchester 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.
Extra police have been deployed in many cities including London. The British Transport Police said extra officers, some armed, would be on patrol today.Extra police have been deployed in many cities including London. The British Transport Police said extra officers, some armed, would be on patrol today.
A vigil for the victims will be held in Manchester centre tonight. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “There is a need for the city, and the city region, to come together, so we are making arrangements for a vigil.”A vigil for the victims will be held in Manchester centre tonight. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “There is a need for the city, and the city region, to come together, so we are making arrangements for a vigil.”
Reaction:Reaction:
Theresa May condemned the attack as “sickening”. Speaking outside Downing Street after charing an emergency Cobra meeting, she said :“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.” May will travel to Manchester later on Tuesday.Theresa May condemned the attack as “sickening”. Speaking outside Downing Street after charing an emergency Cobra meeting, she said :“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.” May will travel to Manchester later on Tuesday.
The Queen has expressed her “deepest sympathy” to all those affected. She added that “the whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury”.The Queen has expressed her “deepest sympathy” to all those affected. She added that “the whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury”.
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. Party leaders Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon, Tim Farron, Leanne Wood and Paul Nuttall also expressed condolences.
Donald Trump, has condemned the “evil losers” behind the attack. “This wicked ideology must be obliterated – and I mean completely obliterated – and the innocent life must be protected.Donald Trump, has condemned the “evil losers” behind the attack. “This wicked ideology must be obliterated – and I mean completely obliterated – and the innocent life must be protected.
Leaders from across the globe have expressed solidarity with the UK. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the UK.Leaders from across the globe have expressed solidarity with the UK. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the UK.
Columnist Katie Hopkins has been reported to police for a tweet in which she called for a “final solution” following the terror attack at Manchester Arena. She later deleted the tweet.Columnist Katie Hopkins has been reported to police for a tweet in which she called for a “final solution” following the terror attack at Manchester Arena. She later deleted the tweet.
Faith leaders and community organisations across the UK have condemned the attack. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, said “dark evil” cannot overcome “Heroic Mancheste”. Harun Khan, the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.”Faith leaders and community organisations across the UK have condemned the attack. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, said “dark evil” cannot overcome “Heroic Mancheste”. Harun Khan, the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.”
Ariana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, tweeted that she was “broken” by the attack. “I am so so sorry. I don’t have words,” she said.Ariana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, tweeted that she was “broken” by the attack. “I am so so sorry. I don’t have words,” she said.
1.12pm BST1.12pm BST
13:1213:12
President Trump has tweeted this.President Trump has tweeted this.
We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/X6fUUxxYXEWe stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/X6fUUxxYXE