WEB DESK
The death toll in Manchester Arena terror attack has in Britain has risen to 22. Greater Manchester Police said, 59 people were also injured in the suicide attack which took place around at 22:35 BST (3 a.m Indian time) today.
The attacker also died while detonating the device. Witnesses said they heard two loud bangs, in the foyer area of Manchester Arena, after a pop concert by Ariana Grande. Manchester Victoria station, has been closed and all trains cancelled.
BBC quoting Police report that the lone male attacker, who died in the blast, detonated an improvised explosive device.
Relatives are using social media to hunt for missing loved ones, and an emergency number, 0161 856 9400, has been set up.
Sixty ambulances attended the incident and those wounded are now being treated at six hospitals around the city.
British Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society. Relatives are using social media to hunt for missing loved ones, including children, caught up in the incident.
Earlier, British Prime Minister Theresa May said work is on to establish the full details. She added, all our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected. Downing Street said that the Prime Minister is to chair an emergency Cabinet Office briefing room meeting today following the blast.
The explosion happened shortly after Ariana Grande left the stage as concert-goers began heading to the exits
The 23-year-old teen actress-turned-singer, who has a strong following among teenage girls and children, tweeted: “broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words”
Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it was “a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable”
The prime minister is to chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee at around 09:00 BST
Flags are flying at half mast in Downing Street and political parties have suspended general election campaigning.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the police presence in the capital would be stepped up
World leaders have expressed solidarity with the UK, including French president Emmanuel Macron, who called it “a murderous attack”.
Meanwhile, Britain’s political parties have agreed to suspend election campaigning until further notice following terror attack. Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, said that he had spoken to Prime Minister Theresa May and had agreed that all national campaigning for the June 8 election would be suspended. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attack. In a tweet, Mr Modi said he is pained by the attack and India’s thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.
US says, it is closely monitoring the situation at the Manchester Arena in the UK. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that it is working with foreign counterparts to obtain additional information on the blasts. The DHS said it stands ready to assist the UK in all ways necessary. The DHS also urged US citizens in the area to pay heed to the directions from the local authorities and maintain security awareness. Meanwhile, New York authorities have stepped up security at sensitive sites.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he has ordered additional patrols at high-profile locations including airports and the subway. Islamic State terror group supporters celebrated on social media after the blast although the group has not formally claimed responsibility. Some twitter messages described the attack as an act of revenge in response to air strikes in Iraq and Syria.