Manchester Arena terror attack: Vigil to be held after explosion slaughters 22
MANCHESTER will hold a vigil tonight to commemorate the 22 victims of the deadly terror attack which rocked the city centre.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has asked people to join him in Albert Square
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has asked people to join him in Albert Square, just half a mile from the stadium where tragedy unfolded last night.
Crowds will gather at 6pm tonight, Tuesday, to remember the victims - some of them children - of the latest terror attack to rock the UK.
Mr Burnham tweeted: “We are grieving today, but we are strong.”
Giving a statement earlier today, he condemned the attack as “evil” but vowed Mancunians will carry on as normal.
Andy Burnham condemns 'EVIL' act at Manchester Arena
He said: “It’s 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.
“This was an evil act. Our first thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured. And we will do whatever we can to support them.
The death toll has risen to 22 and at least 59 people are injured
“We are grieving today, but we are strong. Today it will be business as usual as far as possible in our great city.”
A prayer session has taken place with the Dean of Manchester, where people lit candles.
The death toll has risen to 22 and at least 59 people are injured after a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device.
The 21,000 capacity sold-out Manchester Arena was packed with fans who had just finished watching an Ariana Grande concert.
We are grieving today, but we are strong
The first victim of the tragedy has been named as Ariana superfan Georgina Callander.
Messages of support have poured in from world leaders, UK politicians and celebrities alike.
In the wake of the attack a fundraising page has been set up to help victims and their families.
A fundraising page has been set up to help victims and their families
Aiming to reach £50,000 it has already surpassed half with more than £26,000 raised in a matter of hours.
Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester has had some dark days in the past.
“I can’t think of anything that matches the horror of what happened last night.
The first victim of the tragedy has been named as Ariana superfan Georgina Callander
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims of people who are still in hospital, in some cases fighting for their lives, and as a city we will have to take some time to grieve in what we believe was a terrorist attack.
“This city will pull together and we will make sure we demonstrate that defiance and the city will go on from strength to strength.”
Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has confirmed they are treating the incident as a terror attack.
He said: “We have been treating this as a terrorist incident and we believe, at this stage, the attack last night was conducted by one man.
“The attacker, I can confirm, died at the area. We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated causing this atrocity.”
Prime Minister Theresa May gave a statement outside Downing Street where she said investigators believe they know the bomber’s identity.
The 21,000 capacity sold-out Manchester Arena was packed with fans
After chairing a COBRA meeting at 9am she later branded the attack as “appalling”.
She confirmed the terror alert in the UK remains “severe”.
The Manchester terror attack is the deadliest bombing since the London terror attack since the July 7 2005 bombings, which killed 52 people.
Greater Manchester Police have appealed to the public with any photos or footage of the event to send it to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk.
Please join us for a vigil at Albert Square at 6pm tonight. We are grieving today, but we are strong. @MENnewsdesk @BBCNWT @GranadaReports pic.twitter.com/opMjK0jFuT
— Mayor Andy Burnham (@MayorofGM) May 23, 2017
Anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity is urged to call the Anti-Terrorist hotline on 0800789321.
Greater Manchester Police have told people still in need of assistance to go to the Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City FC, and a helpline has been set up for worried loved ones on 0161 856 9400.
Transport around the city is severely affected with delays, cancellations and revisions to services on buses, trains and road traffic.