'Suicide bomber' strikes at Manchester Arena: Nineteen people are killed and 50 injured in terrorist attack as 'nail bomb near the exit' explodes, ripping into teens leaving packed Ariana Grande gig
- Nineteen people killed after explosions rang out at the end of an Ariana Grande gig in Manchester Arena
- Video footage showed thousands fleeing in tears from the venue, many covered in blood, when gig ended
- Armed officers surrounded venue and bloodied concertgoers pictured being helped by emergency services
- Horrifying footage showed petrified children leaping over chairs and barriers as they tried to escape
- At 3am chief constable of Greater Manchester Police said they were treating it as a 'terrorist incident'
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At least 19 people are dead and 50 more injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted children leaving a packed pop concert at Manchester Arena last night.
Witnesses told of nuts and bolts tearing into young concert-goers when the blast was detonated in the foyer area between the arena and the next-door Victoria station just after the Ariana Grande gig ended.
Horrifying footage showed petrified children leaping over chairs and barriers as they desperately tried to escape the 21,000-seat venue, which led to a stampede. Two US officials have said it was a suspected suicide bomber.
Armed officers surrounded the venue and bloodied casualties were seen being stretchered out of the concert that resembled a 'war zone'.
Last night police carried out a controlled explosion at Cathedral Gardens after finding a second suspicious device.
At 3am Ian Hopkins, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said they were treating it as a 'terrorist incident' and that the injured were being cared for at six hospitals.
Casualties are stretchered out of the concert tonight after a terror attack in the Ariana Grande concert
Concert-goers and witnesses have described the chaos after 'huge bomb-like bangs' went off in Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande gig
A father carries away his daughter following the suspected terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert
This was the scene inside the Manchester Arena tonight after the suspected terror attack at the teen concert
This distressing picture purportedly shows the inside of the arena after the suicide attack at the Ariana Grande concert - its veracity has been confirmed by the two witnesses
Concert-goers helped injured people make their way from the gig in Manchester tonight
A child was spotted clutching a balloon while wrapped in a foil wrap following the terror attack at the Manchester Arena
Witnesses reported hearing a 'huge bang' at the venue shortly after US singer Ariana Grande's gig finished
This graphic shows where the explosion took place, in the foyer area, leading towards Victoria railway station
'There were thousands of people trying to get out at once. They were all screaming and crying. The whole place smelt smokey and burnt.
'The explosion sounded like it was inside the building somewhere.'
Video footage showed thousands of people fleeing in tears from the venue, many covered in blood, after concert finished.
A Twitter account - which was unverified - posted this hours before the attack, warning of a terror attack
The Twitter account also posted this picture of the ISIS flag with the hashtag 'Manchester Arena'
Abby Mullen from Airdrie, who was at the event said: 'As we were leaving a bomb or explosion went off centimetres in front of me. People's skin and faeces where everywhere including in my hair and on my bag.
'I'm still finding bits of God knows what in my hair. You never ever expect these things to happen to you but this proves it can happen to anybody.
'That sound, the blood and those who were running around clueless with body parts and bits of skin missing will not be leaving my mind any time soon or the minds of those involved.'
Prior to the incident an unverified Twitter account posted #IslamicState #Manchesterarena
It also said: 'You forget our threat? This is the just terror', along with an image of the ISIS flag.
The account has not been verified and was deleted shortly afterwards.
Bloodied concertgoers were pictured being helped by armed police outside the arena after explosions rang out at the gig
Chris Parker, 33, was heading towards the box office when he heard an explosion.
He told The Sun: 'There was nuts and bolts flying everywhere, and also human flesh. It was just one bang and a white flash.
'I treated a woman called Pauline. I've got blood on my hands. It was like a war zone inside where the box office is.'
Gary Walker told the Daily Star: 'The nuts must have been packed in the device that's exploded - there's nowhere else they could've come from.'
One picture, purportedly published from the scene on social media, appeared to show bodies inside the arena - two witnesses confirmed its veracity to MailOnline.
This picture shows the layout of Manchester Arena - the explosion happened in the foyer area leading to the railway station
A woman spotted being helped by emergency services following the suspected terror attack in Manchester
A man with a bandage on his head exits the arena after the terror attack inside the Manchester Arena
A young girl is helped by police after the horrific incident inside the teen concert this evening
Manchester's Victoria station, which backs onto the arena, has been evacuated and all trains cancelled.
Greater Manchester Police said: 'Emergency services are currently responding to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena.
'There are a number of confirmed fatalities and others injured.
'Please AVOID the area as first responders work tirelessly at the scene. Details of a casualty bureau will follow as soon as available.'
Chief constable Ian Hopkins said the injured were being treated at six hospitals.
A North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust spokesman tweeted: 'NWAS has taken 59 casualties from the Manchester Arena incident to various hospitals and treated a number of walking wounded on scene.'
A spokesman said the explosion happened within the foyer area of the venue, leading towards Victoria railway station. A bomb disposal unit were also spotted arriving at the scene.
The BBC have said senior counter-terror officials are assembling in London tonight.
The area around the arena was swamped with police and emergency services. Approach roads have been closed by police
Witnesses last night described the horrific scenes at the end of the concert.
Jonathan Yates, 24, from the Wirral, told MailOnline: 'The concert had finished and the lights came on almost instantly. There was a bang, a weird bang. There were lots of balloons but I thought to myself that can't be a balloon, that's not normal.
'We were sat on the floor level and it came from the higher seats, people were running and screaming. Everyone stopped and I turned to my friend and said 'we need to run'. Everyone was running and screaming and then when we got out it felt a bit more OK.
'I heard five or six bangs that sounded like gunshots. When we got outside people were outside, crying and on their phones.
'You don't think it's something that's going to happen when you go...it was such a nice, fun concert.'
Nick Schurok, 28, from Manchester, told MailOnline: 'Ariana Grande had just finished the concert and the lights came on. Everyone started leaving. I was on the floor and at the back of the arena people started exiting through the tunnels.
'There was a bang in the left tunnel and everyone went to the middle tunnel. Then about two minutes later, there was another bang. The bang was so loud and crowds of people were running. There were lots of children and families there.'
Another witness Jenny Brewster told MailOnline: 'We were exiting the building when it happened. We'd headed towards the main doors as Ariana was performing the last song because we wanted to beat the crowds, but – as we made our way there - a wall of security men blocked it and told us to go the other way.
'Seconds later they shouted 'RUN!' and the explosion happened right behind them. Hundreds of people were running and screaming. Those men saved our lives.'
Armed police carrying assault rifles were quick to arrive at the scene. Police said they are treating the incident as terror-related 'until we know otherwise'
Armed officers surrounded the venue after the explosion at the end of a performance by US singer Ariana Grande
People attending the concert by Ariana Grande fled in panic on hearing the noises - some in tears
Friends consoled one another outside the venue after the suspected terror attack in Manchester tonight
Catherine Macfarlane told Reuters: 'We were making our way out and when we were right by the door there was a massive explosion and everybody was screaming.
'It was a huge explosion - you could feel it in your chest. It was chaotic. Everybody was running and screaming and just trying to get out of the area.'
Majid Khan, 22, said: '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.
'It was one bang and essentially everyone from the other side of the arena where the bang was heard from suddenly came running towards us as they were trying to exit Trinity Way and that was blocked so everyone was just running to any exit they could find as quickly as they could.
'Everyone was in a huge state of panic, calling each other as some had gone to the toilet whilst this had gone off, so it was just extremely disturbing for everyone there.'
Another concert-goer Laura, 22, told MailOnline: 'There was a woman leaning against a car in the car park with her head down, covered in blood and a little girl being lifted away by paramedics. There were quite a few people injured in the car park.'
Police chat to concert-goers following the horrific attack at Manchester Arena this evening
A boy accompanied by an adult carries a dog outside the arena, where crowds of police were gathered. Greater Manchester Police said they will be releasing a contact number for missing people as soon as possible
Armed police spotted outside the gig following reports of an explosion at the venue during the Ariana Grande gig
Her friend, Livvy, 22, added: 'we saw the explosion happen. Bits of it hit me. My first thought was, 'that's a bomb'.
'It was just when we were leaving. We saw a flash of light and smoke.
'We're really shaken up. If we had been there moment earlier we would have been caught up in it rather than seeing it.'
A woman speaks on her phone as a group of concert goers walk past on the pavement. A police spokesman added that news of a central casualty bureau would be released soon
A policeman talks to a crowd of concertgoers outside Manchester Arena. Politicians have tweeted messages of support for the victims
Witnesses described seeing crowds of people outside the concert hall on their phones trying to contact their parents
Armed police descended on the venue after the terror attack at Manchester Arena tonight
A woman sits in the street wrapped in a foil blanket after the explosion inside the Manchester Arena tonight
British Transport Police said in a statement: 'Officers are at Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion within the foyer area of the stadium at 10.30pm this evening.' Pictured: Emergency services in Victoria Railway Station
Police officers stand in a line on a road near Piccadilly Station. Manchester City FC tweeted: 'It's with great sadness we hear of the terrible events at the Arena. Our hearts go out to all affected and to our city's emergency services'
Oliver Jones, 17, was at the concert with his 19-year-old sister.
He said: 'I was in the toilet and heard a loud bang just after the concert had finished and people had started to leave.
'The bang echoed around the foyer of the arena and people started to run.
'I seen people running and screaming towards one direction and then many were turning around to run back the other way.
'Security was running out as well as the fans and concert goers.
'Reports of blood and people injured.'
He added: 'In so much shock and panic. You see this on the news all the time and never expect it to happen to you. I just had to run and make sure me and my sister were safe.'
Police shut down the streets around the concert hall in the aftermath of the attack. Here, a group of women walk over a plastic barrier held down by a police officer
Two women support each other as they walk away from the concert venue. The pink balloon being carried is a reminder of the huge number of children who attended the performance
This was the view of the street outside Manchester Arena tonight after there were explosions at the Ariana Grande gig
A bloodied man with a bandage around his head stands outside the venue. He is covered with a foil blanket for warmth
Medics carry bodies of victims outside the arena. Nurses at nearby Wythenshawe Hospital told patients in A&E to leave it they did not have serious injuries to make way for casualties from the blast
Manchester City FC also tweeted a tribute: 'It's with great sadness we hear of the terrible events at the Arena. Our hearts go out to all affected and to our city's emergency services.' Pictured: People outside the concert venue text on their phones
A man wearing a white towel walks next to a police officer. Concertgoers affected by the suspected terror attack have been offered shelter by locals
The city's mayor, former Labour MP Andy Burnham, tweeted: 'If you are stranded in the area you can... follow #RoomForManchester where hotels and local people of our great city are offering refuge.' Pictured: Emergency services in Manchester Victoria Station
There were reports that a Holiday Inn hotel near Manchester Arena had taken in '50+ children' who were unaccompanied at the gig. Pictured: Paramedics, watched by police, help casualties
A lone policeman guards a cordon outside Manchester Victoria Station, which has been closed to trains
Suzy Mitchell, 26, whose flat is opposite the venue, reported a huge bang rocking the neighbourhood.
She told the Press Association: '(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.
Police were on the scene following the suspected terror attack at the Manchester concert
Jane Pearson, 46, a high school English language mentor from Chadderton, Greater Manchester, had gone to the concert with her daughter, Rachel, 21, as a birthday treat.
She said the arena was packed full of young children.
Mrs Pearson said: 'It's the worst kind of people who could even consider doing something like this and quite frankly those sort of people, they deserve the worst punishment ever.
'I can't imagine what goes in to the heads of these people that want to hurt children? And families who have come together for such a happy occasion. It's disgusting. It's absolutely disgusting.'
Footage posted online by concert-goers showing fans filing out of the building while an announcer tried to maintain calm
Erin McDougle, 20, from Newcastle said: 'There was a loud bang at the end of the concert. The lights were already on so we knew it wasn't part of the show.
'At first we thought it was a bomb. There was a lot of smoke. People started running out. When we got outside the arena there were dozens of police vans and quite a few ambulances.'
A group of young men from Sheffield said they had seen at least five people covered in blood and others being carried out by bouncers.
'Ariana Grande had just gone behind the curtain and the lights came up when there was this massive bang and a big cloud of smoke. I saw five people with blood all down them,' said one.
Sophie Tedd, 25, from Darlington, said the noise and smoke seemed to come from the tiered seating stage right. 'We were sitting on that side then suddenly there was this big bang in the block next to us,' she said.
'Everyone started screaming and we nearly got trampled on. There was a burning smell.'
A witness inside the venue, who gave only her first name, Ashley, told Sky News: 'After the explosion, the staff in the Arena were telling us to follow the exit and go outside.
'At first we did not think it was serious as we could not see any smoke but when we went outside we could see it was more serious.
'There were loads of police turning up telling people to move away from the site.
'Now there are a few people around still trying to get home - they are stuck because Manchester Station is closed.
'I've not seen so many police in my life.'
Robert Tempkin, 22, from Middlesbrough, told the BBC: 'Everyone was screaming and running, there were coats and people's phones on the floor. People just dropped everything.
Erika Ignata, 18, from Cheshire, was at the concert with her 26-year-old sister, Monica.
She told MailOnline: 'We were on the ground floor when Ariana sung the last song. There was a massive sound which we immediately though was a bomb.
'I just grabbed my sister and we were running for the door, it was absolute chaos. All around me there were little girls.'
Ms Ignata described running outside and seeing crowds of parents crying and trying to contact their children on the phone.
She added: 'Me and my sister ran and got into our car which was about 50 yards away from the Arena. I saw lots of girls crying and mums calling out.
'Lots of people shaking and calling on the phone trying to get in touch with people.'
Sasina Akhtar said: 'We were in the lower tier and there was an explosion behind us at the back of the arena.
'We saw young girls with blood on them, everyone was screaming and people were running. There was lots of smoke.'
A barman at the nearby Steven Charles Snooker Club, who gave his name as Tyler, said he saw people lying on the ground covered in blood.
'We've had a few people in with panic attacks and in all kinds of disarray,' he told Press Association.
'We've got four girls here - trying to get them sorted to get picked up.
Police said earlier this morning that there was due to be a controlled explosion in Cathedral gardens, and warned people not to be alarmed
A policeman patrols Victoria Railway Station close to Manchester Arena. Display boards direct customers to posters where they can find travel information
'There was a gentleman on the floor with his leg all bleeding and woman with blood down one side of her face.
'We felt something but didn't know what it was - there was a sound like thunder.
'One girl had a panic attack and another had streaming tears, a woman had a heart attack just outside.
'It's a lot of teenagers - they're all in tears.'
Nurses at nearby Wythenshawe Hospital told patients in A&E to leave it they did not have serious injuries to make way for casualties from the blast.
A medic said: 'Anybody who is not serious, can you please leave and get treatment elsewhere as there have been reports of an explosion in Manchester, we're expecting mass casualties.'
Kindhearted locals also took to social media to offer their help to people who had attended the concert.
Kim Corbett wrote: 'If anyone needs picking up please let me know. I live in Bury but I'm happy to help any way I can. God bless those hurt tonight.'
Vicky Fraser added: 'If anybody needs somewhere to stay I will pick them up…can meet them as close as I can get to town.'
There are reports on social media that up to 50 unaccompanied children have been taken in to Manchester Holiday Inn and are being looked after by adults.
Paula Robinson posted on Facebook: 'We have taken as many kids as we can to Holiday Inn we will keep them safe and stay with them.'
Former Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand said: 'Just heard the news what's happening in Manchester... hope everyone is safe and sound!'
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: 'Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services.'
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: 'This is a shocking and horrific attack targeting children and young people who were simply enjoying a concert.
'My deepest sympathies are with the victims, and with families who have lost loved ones, as well as those desperately waiting for news.
'I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of the emergency services.
'This is an attack on innocent people and the nation is united both in its grief and its determination to stand up to this deplorable attack.'
Prime Minister Theresa May has said her thoughts are with the victims and families of those affected in 'what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack'.
Video footage showed people fleeing in tears from the venue after reports of explosions at the end of an Ariana Grande concert (pictured tonight)
Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram tweeted: 'My 2 daughters caught up in the Manchester explosion at the arena. They are thankfully safe, but I fear for others.'
He posted later: 'Confirmed deaths at the Manchester arena. Feel sick to think that people have lost their lives at a gig attended by so many young people.
'All my thoughts go out to those parents waiting to hear of the safety of their children. It's a parents worse nightmare. So, so sad.'
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Emergency services responding to serious incident at Manchester Arena. Avoid the area. More details will follow as soon as available.'
A British Transport Police spokesman said: 'We are aware of an incident at Manchester Arena. We have officers at the scene and will provide further updates as soon as possible.'
In a statement, Manchester Arena said: 'We can confirm there was an incident as people were leaving the Ariana Grande show last night. The incident took place outside the venue in a public space. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims.'
US pop singer Grande was performing her Dangerous Woman European tour at Manchester Arena when the incident happened.
Later this week, she is scheduled to perform in London, followed by concerts in Belgium, Poland and Germany. A spokesman for the singer said she was unharmed but inconsolable.
Ariana Grande's manager Scooter Braun has said 'our hearts are broken' following the attack after her gig at Manchester Arena, adding: 'We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act'.
Manchester Arena, the largest indoor arena in Europe, opened in 1995 and is a popular concert and sporting venue.
Britain is on its second-highest alert level of 'severe' meaning an attack by militants is considered highly likely.
British counter-terrorism police have said they are making on average an arrest every day in connection with suspected terrorism.
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