Suicide bomber kills 22 people at pop concert

A SUICIDE bomber has killed 22 people — including children — after crowds were targeted leaving a pop concert in Manchester.

Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena.

Announcing that the death toll had risen overnight, Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins today said: “What I can confirm is that there are children among the deceased.

“This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see. Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives.”

Mr Hopkins said investigators believed the attack was conducted by one man who died at the scene, although detectives are working to establish if he “was acting alone or as part of a network”.

Police were called to reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena at 10.33pm yesterday, shortly after US singer Ariana Grande had finished her performance.

Victims described being thrown by the blast that scattered nuts and bolts across the floor. Responders including 60 ambulances flooded the area and more than 240 calls were made to the emergency services.

More than 400 police officers were deployed as part of the operation, with a visible presence remaining on the streets of the city today. The injured are being treated at hospitals across Greater Manchester and a hotline has been set up on 061 856 9400 for those with concerns over l oved ones.

Police have appealed for concert-goers and witnesses to provide them with any footage they have from the scene if they believe it can assist the probe.

Theresa May has condemned the “appalling” incident.

Downing Street said a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee was due to take place today chaired by May.

Grande said she had been left “broken” by the events.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump is being kept updated on the situation.

Gary Walker, from Leeds, was with his wife in the foyer waiting to pick up his two daughters who were at the concert.

Mr Walker said he was around three metres from the explosion and was “surprised I got away so lightly”.

He said the blast was by the foyer door, next to the merchandise, and that glass and metal nuts were left on the floor.

His daughters Abigail and Sophie contacted their parents by mobile phone.

One fan, Majid Khan, 22, described the explosion and ensuing panic.

“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 suddenly came running towards us as they were trying to exit.”

Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester metro mayor, said the attack was an “evil act”. He said: “It is hard to believe what has happened here in the last few hours, and to put into words the shock, anger, and hurt that we feel today.

“These were children, young people and their families that those responsible chose to terrorise and kill.”

As the news unfolded, it was reported 22 people had died.

Devastated concert goers were stunned by the events.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins