More than 20 people have died after a suicide bomber caused an explosion near the Manchester Arena where US singer Ariana Grande had just finished a concert. Here's what we know so far:
Death toll
- Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead, children are among those killed.
- The first two victims have been named as 8-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos 18-year-old Georgina Callander.
- ???Grave fears are held for 15-year-old Olivia Campbell who was at the concert but hasn't contacted her mother since.
- Police say 59 others injured.
Tributes are flowing for teenager Georgina Callander who has been named among the 22 victims of the suicide bombing at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena.
Police gather at the Manchester Arena in northern England Photo: AP
Terror attack
- Police have said a man holding an "improvised explosive device" detonated the bomb, blowing himself up and killing another 22 people.
- The blast occurred about 10.30pm local time (7.30am AEST), at the end of the Ariana Grande concert.
- The Manchester Arena released a statement saying the explosion happened outside of the stadium in a public space, while other reports are saying it was in the venue's foyer.
Investigations
- A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the explosion. Police executed search warrants in two locations in Manchester, Whalley Range and Fallowfield, where there was a controlled explosion.
- Authorities believe they may know the man involved in the attack, but are yet to name anyone publicly.
- UK Prime Minister Theresa May described the explosion as an "appalling terrorist attack". She has suspending campaigning in the current UK general election, saying another attack remains highly likely.
With regards to last night's incident at the Manchester arena, we can confirm we have arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester.??? G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
Photo: Chris Pizzello
Ariana Grande
- Ariana Grande sent a message to fans after the tragedy, saying she was "broken".
broken.
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.??? Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
- Grande, a 23-year-old singer with a big voice who started her career as a star on a Nickelodeon TV series, is on an international tour supporting her 2016 album, Dangerous Woman.
- The tour was scheduled to continue on Thursday at the O2 Arena in London. Two additional acts, Victoria Monet and Bia, performed as openers.
- Grande is scheduled to bring the tour to Sydney and Melbourne in early September. There is no word yet on whether the Australian concerts will be rescheduled.
People rush for the exits at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.
The scene
- Parents are searching for their children who fled the arena.
- Local businesses have taken in many of the children.
- Victims are being treated in eight hospitals.
- Manchester locals are using the hashtag #RoomForManchester to offer people help and a place to stay.
- Buses are being used to ferry people out of the area; some local taxi companies are also offering free rides.
- Train services to the railway station underneath the arena - Victoria Station - have been cancelled and the station evacuated.
