This post is being updated as more information comes in.
UPDATE 7 a.m.: The death toll from last night’s attack has reached 22, with 59 injured. Eight hospitals have taken in victims. One suspect appears to have died in the blast, while local police report a 23-year-old man believed to be involved has been arrested.
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena @CCIanHopkins pic.twitter.com/LDG1wgX2sT
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
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There are reports of an explosion or explosions during a Ariana Grande concert tonight in Manchester, England. According to reports, two loud “bangs” went off shortly after Grande’s performance at Manchester Arena, which was quickly evacuated.
Manchester police have confirmed 19 fatalities and roughly 50 others injured in what is being treated as a terrorist attack. The suspected device allegedly exploded outside the arena, possibly to target those leaving the venue as Grande’s show wrapped up.
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/BEpLOan3dY
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
Variety is reporting through the singer’s reps that she is “okay.” The NME reports that Manchester police have advised people to “stay away.”
A Manchester resident named Suzy Mitchell tells the Press Association, via the NME: “(I) just heard a huge bang from my bed, came out to the front of my apartments (we’re on the top floor so have perfect view) and everyone was running away in big crowds. The bang was so big I heard it from my room which is at the back of the apartment blocks. Currently lots of emergency services going to and from. But can’t see anything substantial as of yet except fleeing people and lots of cars.”
Via the Independent, Majid Khan says: “I and my sister, along with a lot of others were seeing Ariana Grande perform at Manchester Arena, and we were all exiting the venue when around 10.40-10,45pm-ish, a huge bomb-like bang went off that hugely panicked everyone and we were all trying to flee the arena.
Video from the chaotic scene is below.
UPDATE: 6:49 p.m.: Manchester Police have confirmed multiple fatalities.
Police statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/gaKASukx9a
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2017
Ariana Grande concert goers at Manchester Arena rush to exits after loud bangs. pic.twitter.com/M7D9uHDucd
— Josh Caplan (@joshdcaplan) May 22, 2017
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If you look towards the left you see the explosion and hear the bang. I hope to GOD everyone is ok, and so glad Jess and Em are. #manchester pic.twitter.com/q81KHGEJ6E
— Joe Gregory (@JoeAaronGregory) May 22, 2017
Ambulances on the way after explosion at Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.
Could this be ‘religion of peace’?
— Grant J. Kidney ???????? (@GrantJKidney) May 22, 2017
Chaos following explosions at Ariana Grande’s #DangerousWomanTour at Manchester Arena. (Chris Pawley) pic.twitter.com/TEevqxbVcP
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 22, 2017
People rushing out of arena #Manchester #ManchesterArena pic.twitter.com/hE1O6GK0JH
— John (@tdsdrive) May 22, 2017