Children slaughtered as they left Arena concert
ADEVASTATING terror attack on young music fans leaving a concert at Manchester Arena has claimed 22 innocent lives.
Police confirmed that children are among those who were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a device in a foyer at the venue.
Thousands of fans were streaming out of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande when the blast exploded shortly after 10.30pm on Monday.
Witnesses described scenes of ‘absolute carnage’ as concert-goers fled in terror. Nineteen innocent people were killed at the Arena and three died from their injuries in hospital. A further 59 people are being treated for their injuries at eight hospitals across the region including Stepping Hill in Stockport.
The Manchester Arena atrocity is the worst terror attack in the UK since the 2005 London bombings and has been met with shock and revulsion around the globe.
Theresa May condemned the ‘appalling terrorist attack’ and campaigning in the General Election was halted immediately by all parties.
The newly-elected mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said the city was facing its darkest day and added: “This was an evil act”. Around 21,000 fans were in the Arena for the sell-out concert by 23-year-old singer and ex-children’s TV star Ariana Grande.
Many of the audience were schoolgirls accompanied by their parents or teenagers who were being collected at the end of the show to be taken home.
Witnesses saw dozens of bloodied concertgoers struggling to leaving the venue, many supporting the wounded and with their clothes torn and ripped due to the explosion.
Jane Pearson, 46, a high school English language mentor from Chadderton, had gone to the concert with her daughter, Rachel, 21 and said the Arena was packed full of young children.
She said: “It’s the worst kind of people, who could even consider doing something like this?”
Details of the terror attack were revealed by the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins.
He said: “This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one 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.”
More than 400 police officers were mobilised in response to the attack.
The focus of the investigation will be to track down anyone who may have helped the suicide bomber prepare the attack.
Mr Hopkins added: “We believe that while the attack was conducted by one man, the priority is to establish if he was acting alone or as part of an network.”
The terrorist attacker died at the Arena and Mr Hopkins said that he was carrying what police believe was an ‘improvised explosive device’.
A large police cordon has been put in place around Manchester Arena and Victoria train station, which will remain closed while forensics officers examine the scene.
Mr Hopkins added: “Terrorists attempt to disrupt our lives and create distrust and fear in communities. We have a long history in Greater Manchester of communities standing together during difficult times.
“It is important that we all continue to remain vigilant but also to go about our daily lives.”
Staff at the region’s hospitals called in extra staff to deal with the large number of injures. Emergency numbers have been set up for anyone concerned for loved ones who may not have returned home. They are 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.