Last night at around 11pm, reports came in of an explosion in the foyer of Manchester Arena, just as a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande had finished.

22 people left dead, 59 injured

Greater Manchester Police are currently treating the atrocity as a terrorist attack. The latest information, is that a total of 59 people have been left injured and tragically 22 people left dead, some of whom are reported to be children. It is suspected that the attack was an improvised device, triggered by a suicide bomber who is now believed to be deceased.

The 59 casualties are being treated at 8 hospitals across the city.

Last night Andy Holey, who was waiting to pick up his daughter and wife from the event, told the BBC that the blast "threw me about 30 feet from one set of doors to the other set of doors."

"I managed to find them eventually and they're ok."

"My first thought was to go into the arena to try to find my family."

Ariana Grande took to twitter last night to offer her heartfelt condolences -

Emergency services praised for fast & efficient response

Manchester's emergency services have been universally praised for their fast and efficient response to last night's events, as they hurried towards danger to help those injured.

It is anticipated that a high police presence will be maintained in cities across the UK today.

GMP have requested that the public continue to stay away from the Victoria area where a police cordon has been set up surrounding the area, and Manchester Victoria remains closed to trains and trams this morning. Transport for Greater Manchester have advised the public to check with travel operators before travelling this morning, as several services across the city have been amended.

The Manchester Arena operates a bag check policy upon entry to events, though upon an event closing, exits are left open, seemingly allowing others to gain entry.The venue, located in the north of the city, has always been viewed as a safe and well organised space by local parents and guardians, many of whom are accustomed to waiting for their children in the foyer, the origin of last night's incident.

The Manchester Arena, Manchester's largest indoor events venue, is situated in the northern section of the city and can hold around 18,000 people.

Local residents opened their homes and offered food, water and transport.

Emergency Helpline

Greater Manchester Police have set up an emergency helpline for those concerned for the safety of loved ones or stranded in the city.

Emergency helpline - 0161 8569400

Trains will run on the west coast mainline between London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly as normal today.

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