UPDATE: Police have arrested a 23 year-old man in connection with the attack, but confirmed that the bomber definitely died in the explosion.
UPDATE: Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that the death toll has risen to 22 people, and that the attack was carried out by one man who died after detonating an improvised, home made device. In a statement police also revealed that the total number of injured persons is 59.
UPDATE: Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that 19 people have so far been confirmed dead, while “around 50” have been injured. Police are also treating the incident as a possible terrorist incident.
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/BEpLOan3dY
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
A controlled explosion has also been carried out at a site near the venue:
Officers carrying out a precautionary controlled explosion in Cathedral Garden confirm that it was abandoned clothing, not a suspicious item
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
Manchester Arena has also released the following statement:
— AO Arena (@AOArena) May 23, 2017
ORIGINAL STORY: Police are responding to reports of a possible explosion at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, and have confirmed that “there are a number of confirmed fatalities and others injured”.
“Emergency services responding to serious incident at Manchester Arena,” say Greater Manchester Police. “Avoid the area.”
Witnesses have reportedly spoken of hearing at least one explosion as they began to leave Manchester Arena following the show.
One fan has taken to Twitter to day, “There was a loud bang when the lights came on & everyone ran out screaming.” Video from the scene can be seen below.
Representatives for Ariana Grande have confirmed that she wasn’t injured.
Nearby train lines are currently blocked, and bomb disposal police are on site.
Ariana Grande is scheduled to bring her ‘Dangerous Woman’ tour to Australia later this year.
UPDATE: Ariana Grande Makes First Public Statement Following Deadly Blast At Manchester Concert
UPDATE: Musicians Share Condolences Following Deadly Explosion At Ariana Grande Concert
Police statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/gaKASukx9a
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/hannawwh/status/866775833553379328
Just got out of Manchester arena after seeing Ariana perform. There was a loud bang when the lights came on & everyone ran out screaming ?
— Ri ? (@stressed_ri) May 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/butterywig101/status/866785092315774980
I never ment to record this but this is me leaving ariana grande #DangerousWomantour #ManchesterArena hope everyone is safe and got out pic.twitter.com/TLu73UBl0x
— Rhianna? (@rburke99) May 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/WillMcHoebag/status/866775446611951622
Police responded to reports of an incident at Manchester Arena. Please stay away from the area. More details to follow….
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2017
Emergency services responding to serious incident at Manchester Arena. Avoid the area. More details will follow as soon as available
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2017
#ManchesterVic Staff are on site with @BTP and emergency services. Lines are currently blocked. @nationalrailenq
— Network Rail (@networkrail) May 22, 2017
