Manchester Arena attack: All the facts about the suicide bombing after Ariane Grande concert

Andrew Griffin
Tuesday 23 May 2017 12:16 BST
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Manchester Arena has been hit by an attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing and injuring scores of children.

In the wake of the attack, details have been sketchy and fake news has been deliberately shared by people looking to spread misinformation.

But here are all the verified and important facts of a night and morning that has horrified the world.

  • 22 people have been killed and 59 injured in the blast.
  • There are many children and young people among the dead.
  • The attack was carried out by a lone male suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device. He died at the arena.
  • Security services believe they know his identity and are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a network.
  • A 23-year-old has been arrested in South Manchester in connection with the incident.
  • The first victim has been named as college student Georgina Callander.
  • Speaking after chairing a Cobra meeting on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Theresa May said the "callous" attack was "among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom".
  • A vigil will be held at 6pm on Tuesday in Albert Square, Manchester.
  • It is the worst terrorist attack in the UK since 56 people were killed in the 7/7 London bombings in 2005.
  • The explosion took place at the Manchester Arena at the conclusion of a performance by the American star Ariana Grande.
  • Manchester Arena said the explosion happened outside the venue, as people began streaming from the doors.
  • Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the venue at around 10.33pm and approach roads were closed.
  • They said the blast was "being treated as a terrorist incident".
  • More than 400 officers were deployed on the operation throughout Monday night.
  • Manchester Victoria station was evacuated and trains cancelled.
  • The victims are being treated at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said.
  • President Donald Trump expressed his "deepest condolences" to the victims and branded the attackers "evil losers".
  • Extra police officers have been put on duty in London in the wake of the attack, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick announced.
  • Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester metro mayor, called the atrocity "an evil act".
  • All national General Election campaigning was suspended after the explosion.
  • A controlled explosion was carried out by police at the Cathedral Gardens area near Manchester Arena shortly after 1.30am.
  • Police said the suspicious item at the centre of the controlled explosion was just abandoned clothing.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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