19 dead, 50 injured in Manchester Arena Blast

Nineteen people have been confirmed dead and around 50 others injured by police who are now treating the explosion that happened outside the Manchester Arena as a terrorist incident until they “know otherwise”.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the number of fatalities in a statement which read:

“Just before 10:35pm on Monday 22 May 2017, police were called to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena. So far 19 people have been confirmed dead, with around 50 other injured.”

Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/BEpLOan3dY

— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017

“This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise”.

A large number of ambulances and police vehicles are at the scene following a number of unconfirmed reports of explosion-like noises. However, no reports of an explosion have yet been officially confirmed.

“Officers are at Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion within the foyer area of the stadium at 10.30pm this evening,” British Transport Police said in a statement. “Emergency services are at the scene and we are working to establish more information regarding the explosion and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”

Concert goers were filmed fleeing the area following what witnesses described as a loud bang.

Greater Manchester Police responded to the scene, calling it a “serious incident” and has advised people to stay away from the area.

@BBCBreaking huge amount of ambulances and police heading to Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/KYezB6eM8F

— Sam Coley (@Sam__Coley) May 22, 2017

Loud sirens can be heard throughout Manchester and a heavy presence of police and emergency vehicles are in the area.

Major incident at the Manchester Arena. People clearly shaken. Huge police and ambulance response. #Manchester pic.twitter.com/6aqteCsYet

— Darryl Morris (@darrylmorris) May 22, 2017

“We were making our way out and when we were right by the door there was a massive explosion and everybody was screaming,” eyewitness Catherine Macfarlane told Reuters.

“It was a huge explosion – you could feel it in your chest. It was chaotic. Everybody was running and screaming and just trying to get out of the area.”

well… ariana grande concert manchester pic.twitter.com/It2vnPsWPz

— c h a r ? (@charlottefa1ry) May 22, 2017

Manchester Metrolink announced that no services would be running at the nearby Victoria Station due to an “ongoing police incident”.
tart/terminate at alternative stations.”

Me and a friend trying to exit Manchester Arena while the staff were telling everyone to keep calm and not run #scary #arianagrande pic.twitter.com/r9GFZpOe4D

— alex g (@butterywig101) May 22, 2017