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Manchester Arena attack: What we know so far Manchester Arena attack: What we know so far
(35 minutes later)
Twenty-two people have been killed and 59 injured in an explosion at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena.Twenty-two people have been killed and 59 injured in an explosion at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena.
Here is what we know so far.Here is what we know so far.
What happened?What happened?
The explosion happened in the foyer of Manchester Arena on Monday night, as crowds began leaving the concert.The explosion happened in the foyer of Manchester Arena on Monday night, as crowds began leaving the concert.
Eyewitnesses described seeing metal nuts and bolts strewn around the floor and the smell of explosives after the home-made bomb went off. Eyewitnesses - many of them teenage girls - said they heard a huge bang coming from outside the auditorium.
They also spoke about the fear and confusion that gripped concert-goers, some of whom mistook the bang of the bomb for exploding balloons. Some mistook the bang of the bomb for exploding balloons, which had been released at the end of the concert.
Parents waiting to pick up their families in the foyer told how the noise of the explosion was followed by a flash of fire.
Metal nuts and bolts were strewn around the floor among bodies and the smell of explosives was in the air, eyewitnesses said.
They also spoke about the fear and confusion that gripped the concert-goers, as they rushed for the exits.
Police were called at 22:33 BST and streets surrounding the arena and Victoria Station were sealed off.Police were called at 22:33 BST and streets surrounding the arena and Victoria Station were sealed off.
Children are among the 22 killed in the explosion, police said. A further 59 people were injured.Children are among the 22 killed in the explosion, police said. A further 59 people were injured.
More than 240 emergency calls were made; 60 ambulances and 400 police officers attended.More than 240 emergency calls were made; 60 ambulances and 400 police officers attended.
After the attack hundreds of people in Manchester took to social media to offer spare beds and rooms for those stranded in the city.After the attack hundreds of people in Manchester took to social media to offer spare beds and rooms for those stranded in the city.
Who carried out the attack?Who carried out the attack?
Police say a lone male suicide bomber detonated a home-made bomb, and died at the scene.Police say a lone male suicide bomber detonated a home-made bomb, and died at the scene.
They are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a wider network. Theresa May said he deliberately chose the place where he could cause "maximum carnage" near the exit as people left.
Police are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a wider network.
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said the force would treat the incident as a terror attack "until we have further information".Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said the force would treat the incident as a terror attack "until we have further information".
What has happened to those involved?What has happened to those involved?
The injured are being treated at hospitals in and around Manchester. The injured, including children and young people, are being treated at eight hospitals in Greater Manchester.
Many have life-threatening conditions, the prime minister said.
A hotline has been set up for people concerned about loved ones - on 0161 856 9400 and 0161 856 9900.A hotline has been set up for people concerned about loved ones - on 0161 856 9400 and 0161 856 9900.
A help centre for anyone needing assistance has also been set up at Gate 11 of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.A help centre for anyone needing assistance has also been set up at Gate 11 of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.
Relatives are using social media to hunt for missing loved ones.Relatives are using social media to hunt for missing loved ones.
A vigil will be held in Albert Square, in Manchester, at 18:00 BST on Tuesday.
How has the government responded?How has the government responded?
Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the "appalling terrorist attack". Prime Minister Theresa May said the attack showed "sickening cowardice" to deliberately target young defenceless children.
"All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected," she said. She chaired a meeting of the emergency committee Cobra on Tuesday morning, and will chair another later.
She is chairing a meeting of the emergency committee Cobra on Tuesday morning. In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Mrs May said police believed they knew the identity of the attacker but would not publicly confirm his name.
Significant resources have been made available to police while they establish the facts of whether he was part of a larger group, she said.
Mrs May will visit Manchester later, to meet Mayor Andy Burnham, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and emergency service workers.
All general election campaigning has been suspended until further notice.All general election campaigning has been suspended until further notice.
A union jack has been lowered to half mast in Downing Street.A union jack has been lowered to half mast in Downing Street.
What disruption has been caused?What disruption has been caused?
A cordon remains in place around Manchester Arena and Victoria Station while forensic work is carried out.A cordon remains in place around Manchester Arena and Victoria Station while forensic work is carried out.
All train services to and from Victoria station have been cancelled.All train services to and from Victoria station have been cancelled.
Security has been stepped up in Manchester, London and at transport hubs around the UK.Security has been stepped up in Manchester, London and at transport hubs around the UK.
What do we know about the investigation?What do we know about the investigation?
The investigation is "complex and wide ranging", police have said, and they have urged people not to speculate on the attacker's identity.The investigation is "complex and wide ranging", police have said, and they have urged people not to speculate on the attacker's identity.
Police are working with the National Counter Terrorism Policing Network and the intelligence services to try to establish more details about the attacker.Police are working with the National Counter Terrorism Policing Network and the intelligence services to try to establish more details about the attacker.
GMP chief constable Ian Hopkins said it was the "most horrific incident" Greater Manchester has faced.GMP chief constable Ian Hopkins said it was the "most horrific incident" Greater Manchester has faced.
If the bombing is confirmed to be a terrorist attack, it would be the worst in the UK since 52 people were killed in the London bombings of July 2005.If the bombing is confirmed to be a terrorist attack, it would be the worst in the UK since 52 people were killed in the London bombings of July 2005.
Anyone with information can call the anti-terror hotline on 0800 789321.Anyone with information can call the anti-terror hotline on 0800 789321.
The police have also appealed to anyone with images or footage from last night that they believe could assist in the investigations to upload it to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk or ukpoliceimageappeal.comThe police have also appealed to anyone with images or footage from last night that they believe could assist in the investigations to upload it to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk or ukpoliceimageappeal.com