By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
LONDON (AA): At least 22 people were killed and dozens more injured, including children Monday in a suicide attack at a concert by pop star Ariana Grande in the northern city of Manchester, police confirmed Monday evening.
Approximately 59 people were injured at the Manchester Arena to see American singer Ariana Grande.
They are being treated at six hospitals, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins from Manchester police said at a news conference.
Police said earlier the blast at the 21,000-seat arena shortly before 10.35 p.m. (2135GMT) local time was being investigated as a terror attack.
“We are working to establish full details of what is being treated by police as an appalling terrorist attack,” Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement early Tuesday.
“All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected,” she added.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd condemned the “barbaric attack”.
Mayor of Greater #Manchester Andy Burnham said he was “shocked, angry” and felt “hurt today”. “This was evil act.”
The Editor of The Musilm News, Ahmed J Versi, condemning the terrorist attack, sent his condolences to the family of the victims of the terrorist attack. in a letter to the Prime Minister he said:
“Please accept my deepest condolences on the murder of the innocent people by the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena last night.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their family members.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need any help.”
And an emergency COBRA (Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms) committee meeting will convene Tuesday.
The explosion occurred outside the venue, according to a statement by the arena that sought to assure patrons security at the location was adequate.
Witnesses reported hearing “huge bangs” just after US singer’s gig finished.
Theresa May, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, Liberal Democrat Leader Time Farron nd Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon all have suspended their election campaign. General Election will be hled on 8 June.
Train service at Manchester and Victoria Station are currently suspended, the National Rail services said.
The current terror threat level in the U.K. has been severe, which means a terror attack is highly likely.
Additional report by The Muslim News
[Photo: A British police escorts people away from the Manchester Arena stadium in Manchester, United Kingdom on May 23, 2017.
Photographer: Muhabiri Lindsey Parnaby/AA]