Up to 22 people, including children, have been killed and 59 injured in a suspected suicide terrorist attack at Manchester Arena.
24 May 2017
Fifteen-year-old Olivia Campbell, who was the subject of a massive social media search campaign, has died, her mother confirmed via a public Facebook post.
Authorities also confirmed Campbell's death overnight and further revealed that Kelly Brewster, 32, also died in Monday night’s bombing attack.
So far, the identified victims of the Manchester Arena massacre include eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, Georgina Callander, 18, and John Atkinson, 26.
The lights were turned off at the Eiffel Tower as the clocks struck midnight on Tuesday night to honour the victims of the Manchester attack.
23 May 2017
The "large scale" investigation into Monday's Manchester Arena attack is fast moving and making "good progress" the head of UK’s National Counter Terrorism Policing unit said in a statement.
"At this stage it is still not possible to be certain if there was a wider group involved in the attack," Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said. "24 hours in, we have a number of investigative leads that we are pursuing to manage the ongoing threat."
Addressing the raise in the terror threat level, Rowley echoed the prime minister's earlier remarks saying that another "attack remains highly likely, but a further attack may be imminent."
Commenting on the initiation of Operation Temperer, Rowley said that "this is part of an agreed and well-rehearsed plan and military personnel will remain under the command and control of the police service."
Ariana Grande returned to the United States on Tuesday, reports Reuters. The 23-year-old was reportedly greeted by family members after landing in her hometown of Boca Rotan, Florida.
Grande has only made one statement since the attack which took place at the end of her concert: “From the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words," the singer tweeted.
READ MORE: ‘Broken’ Grande finds no words to describe sorrow following Manchester concert bloodshed
"It is now concluded on the basis of today's investigations that the threat level should be increased for the time being from severe to critical," said May in a televised statement following a second emergency Cobra meeting.
"This means that their assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely but that a further attack may be imminent," she added.
The Prime Minister announced that Operation Temperer is now in force in the UK authorizing military personnel to patrol Britain’s streets after raising the threat level to ‘critical.’
“This means that armed police officers responsible for duties such as guarding key sites will be replaced by members of the armed forces,” which will allow police to significantly increase the number of armed officers guarding key locations.
May added that military personnel may also be deployed at events such as concerts and sports matches.
Theresa May will chair her third emergency Cobra meeting at 9.30am on Wednesday, Downing Street has said.
Confirming the terror attack threat shift to 'critical' Tuesday evening, May said she does not want to unduly alarm the public, saying the move is a “proportionate and appropriate response.”
This is only the third time the threat level has reached this phase.
Eyewitnesses have shared photos and videos of today’s arrest of a man in connection with the bombing as well as police raids of some homes in Manchester’s suburbs.
The Manchester Evening News is dedicating Wednesday's cover to images of young people killed or missing in Monday’s suicide bombing.
Prime Minister Theresa May is raising the attack threat level in the UK from 'severe' to 'critical' following a second emergency Cobra meeting Tuesday. The higher level indicates a further attack could be imminent.
Police said it raided two houses in Manchester, including the suspect’s home. The police officers also conducted a controlled explosion in a building on Elsmore Road at 12:30 GMT to get access to the house where the suspected attacker Salman Abedi was registered as living.
The University of Salford in Manchester has been briefly evacuated following reports of a suspicious package found on its campus. Several buildings, including a library were evacuated, the university's press service said. However, the alert was soon called off.
"Police have confirmed we can now reopen buildings with immediate effect... Thanks to students and staff for your patience and co-operation during the evacuation," the university's press service posted on its Twitter account.
A Polish citizen has been injured in the Manchester Arena attack, Poland’s Foreign Ministry said in a Twitter post, adding that the Polish Council is lending all necessary assistance to the family of the injured person.
Campaigning for the upcoming British parliamentary elections is expected to be suspended again on Wednesday.
A vigil in memory of the Manchester attack victims in Birmingham has been interrupted as a man allegedly armed with a large knife and a baseball bat was detained nearby, British media report. Police cordoned off the area and asked people to leave.
More than £550,000 (US$713,790) has been donated to the fundraiser initiative set up by the Manchester Evening News to help families of people affected by the Manchester attack. The initial target of £5,000 was raised first to £500,000 and now to £750,000 as the number of people who donates to the fund continues to grow and has already reached more than 20,000.
Thousands of people have gathered at Albert Square in Manchester for a special vigil to pay tribute to those killed in Monday’s attack, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham joining the mourners.
READ MORE: Manchester vigil: Memorial held for victims of concert suicide bombing (VIDEO)
The UN Security Council (UNSC) has condemned the Manchester bombing which it denounced as an “atrocious” act “perpetrated against young innocent people.” Tuesday’s meeting of the Security Council started with a moment of silence in memory of the blast victims at the request of the Uruguayan envoy to the UN, Elbio Rosselli, who is the current president of the UNSC.
Manchester police has verified media reports that the suicide bombing suspect is Salman Abedi, a man of Libyan origin, born in the UK.
"I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last night's atrocity is 22-year-old Salman Abedi," Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins told the media.
"Our priority, along with the police counter terrorism network and our security partners, is to continue to establish whether he was acting alone or working as part of a wider network."
More than £325,000 (US$420,000) has been fundraised for the families of those affected by the Manchester Arena attack.
The fundraiser, set up by the Manchester Evening News, had an initial target of £5,000, but after a wave of donations the target has now been raised to £500,000.
Up to 11,000 people have donated to the fund, which will be used to help families in the aftermath of the terrorist attack that killed 22 and injured many more.
Greater Manchester police have confirmed that the suicide bomber who carried out the attack on Manchester Arena was 22-year-old Salman Abedi.
Prime Minister Theresa May was seen signing a condolences book at Manchester Town hall before attending another Cobra meeting later this evening.
Students due to sit GCSE and A-Level exams and who have been affected by the Manchester bombing will be given “special consideration.”
The exams regulator Ofqual made the announcement after saying it would give schools discretion on whether to hold the exams or not.
Today’s exams, however, have gone ahead as planned and there are no further plans to postpone or cancel others, the regulator said in an update, before stressing students would nonetheless be treated fairly.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Prince Harry, feel “shocked and saddened” by the tragedy that unraveled in Manchester on Monday evening.
In a message, Prince William sent thoughts out to those affected, while praising the people of Manchester for their exemplary response.
The Queen and guests at a Buckingham Palace garden party will observe one minute of silence at 4pm on Tuesday to honor the victims of the Manchester attack.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he stands with those affected by the Manchester Arena attack, while calling on people to unite against violence.
London police say specialist officers will now review all security plans for public events in the capital.
Plans have already been announced to increase the number of armed officers deployed at Wembley football stadium and Twickenham’s rugby ground.
Prince Charles has expressed his “heartfelt sympathy” for the people affected by the Manchester ordeal.
He said the news of so many people suffering in such an atrocity was “deeply distressing” and had filled both him and his wife with “intense sadness.”
Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has told MSPs in Holyrood that an urgent security review for public events, including this Saturday’s Scottish cup final between Celtic and Aberdeen, is underway following the Manchester attack.
She also confirmed Police Scotland has significantly increased the number of deployed police officers in public areas as part of precaution measures.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is in “shock” after it emerged that his wife and two children were at Ariana Grande’s Manchester concert targeted by a terrorist attack on Monday evening.
It is understood that his wife Cristina Serra and his two daughters Valentina and Maria are all safe and unhurt.
Polish citizens are among those missing following the terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena, the Polish Foreign Ministry has confirmed.
Manchester United has cancelled a press conference in Stockholm on Tuesday night to be held ahead of the Europa League final against Ajax on Wednesday.
The English club said that in light of the Manchester terrorist attack, UEFA granted the request not to hold the meeting.
United manager Jose Mourinho expressed the team’s grief over the “tragic event” last night.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out against the attack, saying such a "slaughter of innocents" should be condemned wherever it occurs.
US President Donald Trump and British PM Theresa May have joined in condemning the Manchester terrorist attack as "wanton and depraved."
Calling from Jerusalem, Trump reassured May that America stands with the British people and that their resolve to fight terrorism is unwavering.
The president also offered American aid in UK investigations into the attack.
Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed police are in contact with the families of two teenagers reported missing after attending the Manchester Arena concert targeted in a terrorist attack.
She also said four people attended hospitals in Scotland following the “dreadful atrocity,” two of whom have already been discharged.
The German Foreign Office sent a tweet out in solidarity with the British people following the Manchester terrorist attack.
MI5 Director General Andrew Parker has said everyone at the intelligence service unit is “revolted” by the attack at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.
He said MI5 remains “relentlessly focused” on doing everything possible to fight terrorism and “keep the country safe.”
Her Majesty the Queen said the whole nation has been shocked by the tragedy that hit Manchester on Monday evening.
In a message to the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Queen Elizabeth expressed her “deepest sympathy” for all those affected by the “dreadful event,” before thanking all emergency services personnel and praising the people of Manchester for their “response” to the “act of barbarity.”
Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron said his children had friends who were at the Manchester Arena on Monday night when it was struck by a terrorist attack.
Farron said that because it targeted children, this particular attack was "beyond wicked."
President of the EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has sent a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May saying he is “deeply saddened and shocked” by the Manchester attack.
He added that such “cowardly attacks” only reinforce commitments to work together to fight terrorism.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has reacted to the attack in Manchester, saying he is "terribly sorry and sad" for the families of those affected.
He called on communities not to be divided by such an "appalling" and "atrocious act of violence."
The British government is not planning to raise the terror threat level to "critical" following the Manchester attack reports the Guardian.
The level has been on "severe", the fourth highest ranking, since 2014.
The level will only be raised if the police or intelligence services think another terrorist attack is imminent.
The first victim has been named as 16-year-old Georgina Callander.
A close friend said she died in hospital with her mother at her bedside.
Her friends have flocked to Twitter to pay tribute.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message to the Queen to express his condolences to the victims of the attack, according to official Xinhua news agency.
He added the Chinese people stand firmly with the British at this critical time.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) expressed condolences for the victims of the attack, describing the bombing as "horrific" and "criminal".
"May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next", Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB, added in a statement.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bemoans the "horrific attack", saying it left fellow citizens in "shock".
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham condemned the "evil attack" on "our great city" while expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
Burnham announced a vigil will be held tonight at the city's Albert Square following the attack in which 22 people, including children, were killed.
US President Donald Trump offers his "deepest condolences" to the victims of the Manchester attack, calling its perpetrators "evil losers".
He said America stands in "absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom", before calling on the international community to join forces to "protect human life" from terror.
Scotland Yard flag
As a show of respect for the victims of the Manchester terror attack, the Metropolitan Police is flying its flag at half mast at its New Scotland Yard headquarters.
Jeremy Corbyn comments
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, earlier today, expressing his condolences and confirming that all campaigning has been suspended until further notice.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed shock and sorrow on Tuesday following the suicide attack at Manchester Arena, Steffen Seibert, Merkel’s spokesman, said
“This suspected terrorist attack will only strengthen our resolve to continue to work together with our British friends against those who plan and carry out such inhumane deeds,” the Chancellor said. “I assure the people of Britain: Germany stands at your side,” she added.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan offered sympathies to Manchester following the “sickening and barbaric attack,” according to a statement posted on his Twitter account.
Metropolitan police reopened London’s Victoria Coach Station and adjacent streets later on Tuesday after closing the area earlier due to a suspicious item.
“The reported suspect package at Victoria Coach Station has now been cleared. Not suspicious. Thanks for your patience,” London’s Metropolitan Police said on Twitter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed deep condolences to British Prime Minister Theresa May over the Manchester Arena bombing, the Kremlin said.
“We strongly condemn this cynical and inhumane crime, and hope that those who orchestrated it will be brought to justice,” Putin said, stressing Moscow’s readiness to cooperate with the UK on combatting terrorism.
France’s prime minister, Edouard Philippe, has urged the French to stay vigilant in light of the Manchester Arena attack, according to Reuters. “The most cowardly form of terrorism has struck once again, targeting – as in Paris more than a year ago – a concert venue,” Philippe said in a statement, referring to the November 2015 attack on the Bataclan concert hall in Paris.
A suspicious package has prompted the evacuation of Victoria Coach station in London this morning, BBC reports. Police are investigating the item.
“A suspect package is being checked out,” a Metropolitan police spokesman said.
Ian Hopkins, the chief constable of Greater Manchester police, said 22 people, including children, were killed in the explosion and 59 were injured. He added that the attacker who detonated the improvised explosive device (IED) was acting alone, but an investigation is being conducted to establish if he was part of a broader network.
Viktor Ozerov, head of the Upper House’s Defense Committee, said Russian security services are ready to share intelligence for the investigation of the explosion at Manchester Arena with their British counterparts, RIA Novosti reports.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered additional patrols at "high-profile locations" following the Manchester attack.
"This apparent act of terrorism, targeting a concert attended by thousands of teenagers and young people, is an inexplicable and abhorrent assault on our universal values as human beings," Cuomo said in a statement.
"An attack on one is an attack on all, and New York stands in solidarity with the British people and our friends around the world against the forces of hate and terror," the governor added, AFP reports.
A senior White House official told NBC News that President Donald Trump, who is on a visit to Jerusalem, had been briefed on the incident.
Ariana Grande, says she is "broken" following the tragedy which unfolded at the end of her concert.
UK's Prime Minister Theresa May is to chair an emergency Cobra meeting at around 09:00 am, Downing Street said.
The US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that it has "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," the statement added.
The North West Ambulance Service says at least 59 people are now being treated at various hospitals across Manchester.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins confirmed that at least 19 people died and 50 others were injured as a result of the blast. The wounded are being treated at six hospitals across Greater Manchester, Hopkins said during a news conference. He affirmed that the tragedy is being treated as a terrorist incident.
“Crews still supporting Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service at the scene of this horrific incident - please don’t dial 999 unless you really need us,” Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement.
“We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack,” UK’s Prime Minister, Theresa May said in a statement. “All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.”
Police have carried out a controlled explosion in Manchester’s Cathedral Garden.“Officers carrying out a precautionary controlled explosion in Cathedral Garden confirm that it was abandoned clothing, not a suspicious item,” Manchester Police said.
Paul Harrison a Senior Sky news editor says Manchester police are moving people back from the arena for "fear of a second suspect device,” adding, that a "controlled explosion" is expected.
BBC reporter Tim Ashburn also confirmed that he has been told by police that they have found a second suspect device and want to carry out a controlled explosion.
Manchester Arena is saying the incident took place “outside the venue, in a public space.”
At least 19 people have been killed and at least another 50 injured in an explosion at the Manchester Arena, police have confirmed.
“This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident, until police know otherwise,” Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.
22 May 2017
"The police are treating it as a live site, we don't know if this is the end or there are other incidents in that area... we don't know at the moment," Pat Carney, the council's spokesman for the city centre, told BBC.
A number of children have reportedly been separated at the arena during the chaos.
A bomb disposal unit has reportedly arrived at the scene.
“Officers are at Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion within the foyer area of the stadium at 10.30pm this evening,” British Transport Police said in a statement. “Emergency services are at the scene and we are working to establish more information regarding the explosion and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”
“Emergency services are dealing with an incident near Manchester Victoria, resulting in all lines being closed," National Rail said in a statement. “Trains are currently unable to run to/from Manchester Victoria. Some trains will be canceled throughout or start/terminate at alternative stations."
A heavy police and emergency services presence is seen outside the arena where an Ariana Grande concert was taking place.
Ariana Grande’s spokesperson confirmed to Variety entertainment news that the singer was unhurt in the arena.
Police confirm a number of "fatalities" following reports of explosions at Manchester Arena.