Manchester terror attack: ISIS claims responsibility for bombing at Ariana Grande concert
ISLAMIC State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the horrific Manchester terror attack which killed 22 people last night.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for last night's Manchester explosion
The group said one of its "soldiers" carried out the attack, which took place during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.
A spokesman said: "One of the soldiers of the caliphate was able to place an explosive device within a gathering of the Crusaders in the city of Manchester."
The statement was posted on Telegram, an encrypted app used by many ISIS fighters and supporters to evade security services.
Our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail
This morning Theresa May said police and security services believed they knew the identify of the lone bomber.
She said had chosen the time and place of his attack to cause "maximum carnage and to kill and injure indiscriminately".
Speaking outside Downing Street, the PM paid tribute to emergency workers and members of the public who rushed to help the victims.
And she vowed: "The terrorists will never win and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail."
The first victim of the attack has been named as Georgina Callander
The PM paid tribute to emergency workers and members of the public
The incident is the worst terror attack in the UK since 56 people were killed in the 7/7 London bombings in 2005.
Manchester Arena said the explosion happened outside the 21,000-capacity venue, as Grande's fans began streaming from the doors.
More than police 400 officers were deployed on the operation last night, while Manchester Victoria station was evacuated and trains cancelled.
Hundreds of people are still desperately trying to trace loved ones
Hundreds of people are still desperately trying to trace loved ones in the aftermath of the attack.
Parents, relatives and friends are flooding social media with images in a desperate bid to track down those still missing after the explosion.
The first two victims of the attack have been named as eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos and Georgina Callander, 18.