A SUICIDE bomber has killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester.
Some 59 people were also injured when the blast caused by an improvised explosive device carried by the attacker detonated at the Manchester Arena yesterday evening just after 10.30pm following an Ariana Grande gig.
Greater Manchester Police said the blast is "currently being treated as a terrorist incident".
Chief Constable of Manchester Police Ian Hopkins has said lone male attacker, who died in the blast, was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated.
An emergency telephone number has been set up by police in response to the attack, which is: 0161 856 9400.This morning, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson tweeted his sadness at waking up to the devastating news.
Waking to news of explosion & loss of young lives in Manchester. My thoughts with the families and emergency services.
— Wilts & Swindon PCC (@PCCWiltsSwindon) May 23, 2017
Mike Veale, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police added that "profoundly saddened" by the news.
Profoundly saddened by the devastating events in Manchester last night. The thoughts of all at Wiltshire Police are with everyone affected
— Mike Veale (@wiltspoliceCC) May 23, 2017
Thoughts today with those affected by the events in #Manchester last night and our colleagues @NWAmbulance #StandTogether
— swasFT (@swasFT) May 23, 2017
Others have tweeted:
Innocent lives have been changed this morning 💜 thoughts of comfort to those who are traumatised and shocked by last nights events 💜
— Swindon Sobs (@parry_jacky) May 23, 2017
I'm appalled by the news from #ManchesterArena and am thinking of all those affected by this cowardly act.
— Robert Buckland (@RobertBuckland) May 23, 2017
My thoughts are with all of those caught up in last night's terror attack in Manchester.
— Robert Buckland (@RobertBuckland) May 23, 2017
Horrific news. It is beyond comprehension why anyone would target young & innocent people - pure evil. Thoughts & prayers for all victims.
— Justin Tomlinson (@JustinTomlinson) May 23, 2017
Who deliberately targets children? My girls love Ariana Grande and I just can't imagine what people are going through today 😥
— Sarah Church (@Sarah_C_Church) May 23, 2017
Thoughts with all those affected by the terrible events in Manchester last night and with the people of Manchester. We stand together.
— Mark Dempsey (@dempsey4labour) May 23, 2017
Full of admiration for our NHS colleagues in #Manchester this morning. We're sending you our love and support from Swindon. #StandTogether
— GreatWesternHospital (@GWH_NHS) May 23, 2017
More to follow.
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