What is known so far about the Manchester terrorist attack?

At least 22 people are reported to have been killed and 59 injured in a suspected suicide bombing outside Manchester Arena, one of the busiest and biggest live entertainment venues in the world, minutes after a concert by American pop singer, dancer and actress Ariana Grande ended.

The explosion took place at approximately 9:30 pm GMT, causing panic among those attending the event. In its latest statement, Greater Manchester police described the attack as “the most horrific incident we have had to face” in the city in the northwest of England.

“Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved once. We continue to do all we can to support them. They are being treated at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester,” the law enforcement agency said.

Law enforcement officers have not released identities of the deceased and the injured.

Chief constable Ian Hopkins added that the attack was most likely carried out by one person, adding that it remains unknown whether he was a part of a larger network. “The attacker, I can confirm, died at the arena. We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated causing this atrocity,” Hopkins said.

UK authorities have urged locals to avoid the area since emergency services are still working at the scene.

People have taken to Twitter to express condolences to the victims and to help locate those missing after the suspected attack.

Local taxi drivers are reported to have offered their services free of charge to help concertgoers get back home or reach emergency services.

Some have offered food and shelter to those stranded after the explosion.

Messages of condolences have poured in following the deadly attack.

“We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack,” UK Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement. “All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.”

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon described the news as “heartbreaking,” saying that her “thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or been injured in this barbaric attack.”

“Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted.

Source: Sputnik