Twenty-two people have been killed and scores more injured in a suspected suicide bomb attack on Manchester Arena in England.
According to Greater Manchester Police, a blast occurred at 22:35 BST last night (Monday) at the end of a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande.
Police believe the male attacker acted alone and was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated in a public space outside the arena. The attacker was killed in the blast.
So far, it has been confirmed that 22 people, including children, died in the attack, with a further 59 injured.
A total of 60 ambulances attended the scene and the wounded are being treated at a number of hospitals around the city. Armed police offers were also on site shortly after the blast.
SMG-operated Manchester Arena is one of the world’s busiest venues, and was placed fourth in Pollstar’s 2016 list of highest-grossing arenas.
In a statement, Manchester Arena said: “We can confirm there was an incident as people were leaving the Ariana Grande show last night. The incident took place outside the venue in a public space.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims.”
Make sure security is in place
According to the BBC, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said police are treating the incident as an “appalling terrorist attack”. Mrs May will chair a meeting of Cobra, the government’s emergency committee, this morning.
Ian Hopkins, Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police, said it was “the most horrific incident” the force has ever faced, adding that the “fast-moving investigation” will establish of the attacker was “acting alone or as part of a network”.
In short post on social network platform Twitter, Grande, who was unharmed in the attack, said she is “broken” and has “no words”.
Chris Phillips, a security expert and founder and Managing Director of the International Protect and Prepare Security Office (IPPSO), said venues must be proactive in attempting to prevent terrorist attacks.
He told Sky News: “There’s lots we can do. Make sure security is in place and make sure security guards are in place and doing the right level of searching. Also make sure CCTV cameras are working and able to identify people.
“The best thing people can do is let the authorities know if they find something suspicious.”
Police have set up an emergency number for anyone concerns about friends and family who were in attendance at the concert: 0161 856 9400
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