Manchester Arena attack: What we know so far about the suspected terror attack

The incident is likely to be the worst terror attack since the 2005 London bombing, that killed over 50 people including the perpetrators. The police carried out a controlled explosion on an item of clothing at the Cathedral gardens and asked residents not to be concerned if they hear anything.

Read | Manchester terror attack LIVE updates: UK police say blast at Ariana concert leaves at least 19 dead

Police call it a ‘terror attack’ 

According to the Manchester Arena officials, the blast happened outside the venue in a public space at around 10:30 pm on Monday night. A witness, attending the concert told news agency Reuters, that she felt a blast as she was leaving the arena. She also said that she heard people screaming and trying to escape. “We were making our way out and when we were right by the door there was a massive explosion and everybody was screaming. It was a huge explosion – you could feel it in your chest. It was chaotic. Everybody was running and screaming and just trying to get out,” Catherine Macfarlane said.

Concert goers react after fleeing the Manchester Arena in northern England where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing in Manchester, Britain, May 22, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

According to recent TV news reports, witnesses saw nuts and bolts at the site of the explosion, which were similar to shrapnel that are built into into the bomb to increase the force of the blast. Other sources told BBC that the attack was possibly carried out by a suicide bomber.

Manchester Arena attack: PM Narendra Modi condemns the attack, says thoughts with families of the deceased

Injured victims taken to hospitals

People inured in the attack are currently being helped by The North West Ambulance Services, who told people not to call an ambulance unless in a “life saving emergency”. A statement was also released by Manchester fire services that they are collaborating with police and ambulance services to help the victims.

According to a spokesperson for Grande, the singer is been reported to be “okay”. “Ariana is OK. We are further investigating what happened,” Joseph Carozza, Grande’s publicist with Republic Records, told the LA Times. Grande, 23, was performing at the Manchester Arena as part of her “Dangerous Woman Tour”.

Armed police stand guard at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig in Manchester, England Monday, May 22, 2017.

Precautions measures

As precautionary measures, the nearest Victoria train station was closed down by authorities and is expected to remain shut throughout the day. Britian declared its second-highest alert level of “severe”. Facebook also activated its ‘Safety Check’, allowing people to inform about their locations. Several people posted photographs of their teenager kids, asking officials to inform about their whereabouts. The crowd at the concert consisted a large number of young teenagers.

Emergency services work at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig in Manchester, England, Monday, May 22, 2017. Several people have died following reports of an explosion Monday night at an Ariana Grande concert in northern England, police said. A representative said the singer was not injured. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

According to The Guardian, US Department of Homeland Security also issued a statement after the attack and said they are closely monitoring the situation. “We are working with our foreign counterparts to obtain additional information about the cause of the reported explosion as well as the extent of injuries and fatalities,” it said. It further asked US citizens in the area to contact US embassy in London and follow directions from local authorities.

The statement also talked about additional security measures in and around public places and events in the United States as a precautionary measure. “At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving music venues in the United States. However, the public may experience increased security in and around public places and events as officials take additional precautions,” it said. Homeland Security officials also offered support and assistance to UK in its investigation.

Armed police work at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig in Manchester, England Monday, May 22, 2017. Several people have died following reports of an explosion Monday night at an Ariana Grande concert in northern England, police said. A representative said the singer was not injured. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

Authorities in New York also increased security at sensitive areas. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered additional patrols at ‘high-profile locations’, including airports and the subway, media reports said.

The High Commission of India in the UK also tweeted helpline numbers for any Indians injured during the Manchester Arena explosion. The number is 020 7632 3035.

How World leaders reacted

Several world leaders condemned the attack and came out in support of the victims.  British Prime Minister Theresa May described the incident as “appalling” and said the police are investigating the cause behind the explosion. Paying tribute to the victims and families of those involved, May told BBC news,“We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack. According to reports, May, along with several other leaders, suspended their General Election campaign, following the attack. PM May is also expected to chair an emergency Cobra meeting at Downing Street later in the day.

Emergency services personnel speak to people outside Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, Monday, May 22, 2017.  (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a tweet, said, “Pained by the attack in Manchester. We strongly condemn it. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.” President Pranab Mukherjee also expressed his condolence to the families of the victims. “Shocked to hear of Manchester blast; condolences to families of deceased & prayers for injured.” He also said that India is with the Government and people of UK in the hours of distress.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also tweeted in support of victims. “Tonight, #Paris stands with #Manchester. My thoughts go out to the victims and their families.” Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the incident as a “terrible night”. “My heart goes out to families who have lost loved ones, my admiration to our brave emergency services. A terrible night for our great city,” he said.

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