At least 22 revellers returning from U.S. pop star Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester on Monday have been killed with over 50 injured in an apparent terrorist suicide bomber attack.
Police responded to reports of an explosion shortly after 10:33 pm (2133 GMT) at Manchester Arena, which has the capacity to hold 21,000 people, where the U.S. singer had been performing to an audience that included many children.
The attack, which took place in the foyer area of the arena, left hundreds of people fleeing in terror, with young people at the concert separated from their parents in the chaos. It left carnage inside the concert venue, with medics describing treating wounds consistent with shrapnel injury.
One witness said he could see nuts and bolts strewn on the floor of the foyer after the attack, which could suggest a nail bomb was involved.
The attack will be the deadliest terrorist assault in Britain since four British Muslims killed 52 people in suicide bombings on London’s transport system in July 2005.
British Prime Minister Theresa May of the Conservative, Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National party and UKIP have all suspended campaigning ahead of the June 8 election.
“We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack,” May said in a statement. “All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.”
May will chair an emergency meeting of the government’s crisis committee, Cobra, at 9am on Tuesday.
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, tweeted his sympathy for the victims: “Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services.”
The Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, said: “This is a shocking and horrific attack targeting children and young people who were simply enjoying a concert,” and paid tribute to the emergency services.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester city council, said the incident was “horrifying”.
