The UK stirred this morning to the tragic news of the worst terror attack since the London bomb attacks in 2015.
Police received reports of an explosion at the Manchester arena shortly after 10.30pm last night. Rumours began circulating on social media of a speaker exploding but the shocking truth began to emerge as the evening unfolded.
This morning the country woke to the news that twenty two people lost their lives and 59 people are injured, most of the victims being young people and children - simply out on a Monday evening to see their favourite pop star, Ariana Grande.
Many parents are still trying to locate their children but the search for the victims has been complicated by the spreading of false information that the Holiday Inn in Manchester had taken in 60 children. The hotel has commented to the Guardian newspaper that it did provide immediate support to people after the attack but could not confirm reports of taking in large number of unaccompanied children.
An emergency phone number set up to help people is 0161 856 9400
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister chaired an emergency meeting of the governments crisis committee, Cobra, this morning.
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, paid tribute to emergency services, saying: “This was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society – young people and children out at a pop concert. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and victims who have been affected.”
Greater Manchester police have confirmed that they believe the bombing was the responsibility of one man armed with an improvised explosive device. The man is among the dead.
The terrorist threat level for Britain is at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. London mayor, Sadiq Khan said there would be more police on the streets of the capital today after the "barbaric and sickening attack".
The singer whose concert was bombed said she is 'so so sorry' and describes herself as 'broken'
Whilst the current threat level to the UK is at severe, please take a look at the following information from Counter Terrorism Policing (ACT)
What should I report?
You should report suspicious activity or behaviour – anything that seems out of place, unusual or just doesn’t seem to fit in with everyday life. These are just some examples of suspicious activity and behaviour which could potentially be terrorist related:
- Anyone hiring or acquiring large vehicles or similar for no obvious reason
- Anyone buying or storing a large amount of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons
- Anyone taking notes or photos of security arrangements, or inspecting CCTV in an unusual way
- Anyone visiting the dark web, ordering unusual items online or carrying out unusual bank transactions
- Anyone who has illegal firearms or other weapons or has shown an interest in obtaining them
- Anyone holding passports or other documents in different names, for no obvious reasons
- Anyone who goes away traveling for long periods of time but is vague about where they’re going.
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Please remain vigilant and remember this simple acronym from the British Transport Police.
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Our thoughts are with the victims of this atrocity.
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