Manchester terror attack as it happened: Salman Abedi named as suspected suicide bomber

And that concludes our coverage of the aftermath of the atrocious events in Manchester.

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Uefa has just announced there will be a minute's silence ahead of tomorrow night's Europa League Final in Stockholm and the opening ceremony will be reduced out of respect.

The change will mean Swedish artist Axwell / Ingorsso will now not be performing.

Manchester United are due to face Ajax in the cup final. Their players have already observed a minute's silence for the victims of the attack during a training session.

Full statement from Hopkins:

Greater Manchester Police have now named the suspect as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, but added he has not formally be identified by the by the coroner.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins also said the force will not tolerate any hatred in the wake of last night's attack and said is "vital" that Manchester's diverse community stand together.

Elsewhere, Politico are reporting that one of the men arrested in Manchester in the wake of the terror attack is one of Abedi's brothers.

Suspected Manchester attacker named by Press Association as Salman Abedi, citing US officials briefed British authorities.

The Telegraph has more information regarding the suspect. He was born in 1994 and is the second youngest of four children. His parents are reported Libyan refugees who came to the UK to escape the Gaddafi regime.

Our full story can be read here:

Police have urged the public to send pictures and videos of the blast to help with the investigation.

Footage posted on Twitter by a user appears to show yesterday's explosion.

Prime Minister Theresa May is in Greater Manchester this afternoon. She met police forces to discuss ongoing investigations into yesterday's attack, which she defined "barbaric".

"It is an absolutely barbaric attack that has taken place to cut off young lives in this way, and it is absolutely devastating. Our thoughts and prays must be with their families and friends at this horrendous tragedy that has taken place," May said.

"The police and others will of course be looking at the security of venues to ensure that people can continue to enjoy summer events feeling secure. What is clear is that we are ensuring that the resources are available for the police to do the job that they do."

In a public address earlier today, May said authorities believe they know the identity of the lone attacker, but they will not be releasing his name at this stage.

More details on tonight's vigil at Albert Square:

Prince Charles has issued a statement following yesterday's attack, saying he was "profoundly shocked".

"My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night," he said. "That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness.

"Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling at this incredibly difficult time and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way."

The Scottish parliament has held a minute of silence to commemorate the victims of last night's attack.

It is believed some Polish citizens could be among the victims of the blast, according to reports.

Transport trade union RMT has called off a strike planned for next week, following the suicide bombing attack in Manchester.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said in a statement: "In light of the horrific bombing in Manchester last night, and the heightened safety and security alerts on our transport services, RMT's executive has taken the decision to suspend the 24 hours of strike action scheduled for Tuesday 30th May on Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Southern Rail. Our thoughts and solidarity at this time are with the people of Manchester."

A 26-year-old man has been identified as one of the victims of the Manchester blast, according to local media. It is believed that John Atkinson, from the town of Radcliffe, was leaving the Ariana Grande concert when he was targeted by the explosion, the Manchester Evening News reports.

Friends and family have described him as an "amazing young man".

Pope Francis has condemned the Manchester attack in a telegram.

"His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the barbaric attack in Manchester, and he expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence," read the telegram, according to the Vatican's official website.

"He commends the generous efforts of the emergency and security personnel, and offers the assurance of his prayers for the injured, and for all who have died. Mindful in a particular way of those children and young people who have lost their lives, and of their grieving families, Pope Francis invokes God's blessings of peace, healing and strength upon the nation," the telegram continued.

Greater Manchester Police said that a controlled explosion has been carried out at an address in Fallowfield as part of the investigation into last night's terror attack.

Earlier, a Guardian journalist reported that armed police carried out raids on flats in Chorlton. Both areas are in the south of Manchester.

Theresa May previously said police believe they know the identification of the suspect responsible for killing 22 people, including children.

It is now confirmed that eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos is one of the 22 people who died in the attack at Manchester Arena.

The family of the primary school girl launched a huge appeal after she went missing following the blast. She was at the gig with her mum Lisa Roussos and sister Ashlee Bromwich, who were both taken to hospital with shrapnel injures.

Full story here:

The North West Ambulance Service has given an update following last night's attack.

They have confirmed that 12 of the people who were taken to hospital following the blast are children under the age of 16.

Here we have an heartbreaking video from mother Charlotte Campbell, who has not heard from her 15-year-old daughter Olivia since she went to attend the Arian Grande concert last night.

The BBC are reporting that the youngest victim of the attack is of primary school age. This has not yet been confirmed by any authorities.

Isis has claimed responsibility for the Manchester Arena attack. The claim was made via its messaging app Telegram.

Full story here:

Andrew Parker, director general of MI5, said the agency are "revolted and disgusted" by the attack.

He added: "Everyone at MI5 is revolted by the disgusting terrorist attack in Manchester last night. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, the injured and everyone affected by it.

Our teams have been working with the police through the night to assist the investigation. We remain relentlessly focused, in numerous current operations, on doing all we can to combat the scourge of terrorism and keep the country safe."

Police are now advising all local residents to stay away from the city centre while they deal with the aftermath of the attack.

The warning follows on from a 23-year-old man being arrested by armed police in connection with the attack and the nearby Arndale centre being evacuated following a separate incident.

The Queen has paid tribute to all those who died in what she described as an "act of barbarity".

The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert.

I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.

I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care.

And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.

We now have a video of Theresa May giving a statement outside Downing Street in which she condemned the "callous" terrorist attack in Manchester.

Two hotels in Manchester city centre have denied reports they took in dozens of unaccompanied children in the aftermath of the blast at the nearby Manchester Arena.

Early reports claimed that as many as 60 children had been taken to the Holiday Inn in Goadsby Street after they got separated from their parents or guardians following the explosion.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the bomb attack that killed at least 22 people at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening ( 22 May). Police also said a man was arrested at the Arndale shopping centre, which was temporarily evacuated on Tuesday (23 May.)

In a public address on Tuesday, Prime Minister Theresa May said authorities believe they know the identity of the lone attacker, but they will not be releasing his name. Authorities are verifying whether the male attacker acted alone.

Read May's statement in full.

News agency Reuters has reported the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester was reopening after being evacuated on Tuesday (23 May). Witnesses said they heard a "big bang".

According to the Manchester Evening news, the evacuation is unconnected to the Manchester terror attack but there have been arrests across the city.

In a public address on Tuesday 23 May, Prime Minister Theresa May has deemed the attack in Manchester as "callous" and "cowardly". May spoke after chairing an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBRA).

"It's now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester and of this country have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack, an attack that targeted some of the youngest people in our country with cold calculation," May said.

She also revealed that the British security services believe they know the identity of the lone attacker, but they will not be releasing his name.

Read her statement in full.

Eyewitnesses have recalled the ordeal during the bomb blast in Manchester. Some said they thought the bang they heard was caused by "balloons popping".

Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken to US President Donald Trump, who is currently in the Middle East, about the Manchester attack.

Earlier today, Trump issued a statement condemning the attack.

English television personality Katie Hopkins has been reported to police after she called for a "final solution" in the aftermath of the attack.

In response to a tweet to Good Morning Britain presenter Phillip Schofield, Hopkins said: "22 dead – number rising. Schofield. Don't you even dare. Do not be part of the problem. We need a final solution."

Both football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City have released statements condemning the attack and offering support to emergency services.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has said there will be a vigil this evening (23 May) in Albert Square.

Read Burnham's full statement following the arena attack.

Concert-goers have criticised the level of security at the concert in Manchester. Nikola Trochtova, a Czech woman who was at the Ariana Grande concert, was quoted by news agency AP as saying that "there was almost no security check, rather zero. They let us get in without any check if we have anything with us."

A Twitter user who was at the concert said: "I was at the arena in Manchester and their only check your bag not you and anyone can walk in with things under a coat."

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has issued a statement following the attack, saying "fear won't prevail".

The official regulator of qualifications, exams and assessments in England, Ofqual, has issued a statement saying head teachers can decide what exams should be postponed, following the attack.

"Many students and teachers are likely to have been affected by the tragic events in Manchester last night. Head teachers are best placed to decide whether exams should go ahead as planned," it said in a statement.

"We will consider with the exam boards how the provisions that are normally made for students who are unable to sit their exams when planned, or who take their exams but whose performance might be affected, will be applied. Students and their parents should seek advice and information from their schools. Our thoughts are with everyone affected."

The Muslim Council of Britain has issued a statement following the attack. "This is horrific, this is criminal," said Harun Khan, the council's secretary general.

Ariana Grande fans have been criticised for asking for ticket refunds as the singer has reportedly postponed scheduled concerts following the attack in Manchester.

Grande was scheduled to perform in London on Thursday, 25 May, and later in other European countries including Belgium, Poland, Germany and Switzerland.

Police have urged the public to send pictures and videos of the Manchester blast to help with the investigation.

London's Metropolitan Police have released a statement following the attack, praising fellow colleagues and emergency services in Manchester for their "bravery".

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Cressida Dick, said:

"This is an utterly appalling attack. My thoughts are with the people of Manchester as they try to come to terms with the horrific events that took place in their city last night. Our colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and their emergency services showed huge bravery as they ran towards the confusion and danger. We are providing every possible support through the counter terrorism network as investigators work tirelessly to understand what has happened.

"Here in the Capital we put extra police officers on duty as Londoners started their journeys into work. This will continue for as long as it is needed, and the mix of armed and unarmed officers are there to reassure. Looking ahead to the weekend - a normal busy and vibrant weekend in our city - we are working with all those planning events to make sure we are doing all we can.

"Terrorists seek to spread fear and undermine our way of life. We must work together to stop that from happening. If you have suspicions, tell us; if you see something that concerns you, report it. Together we can protect London."

US President Donald Trump, who is currently in the Middle East, has extended his "deepest condolences" to the victims of the Manchester bomb attack.

"I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack and to the many killed and the families, so many families, of the victims. We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," the leader said.

"The terrorists and extremists and those who give the comfort must be driven out from our society for ever. This wicked ideology must be obliterated and innocent life must be protected. All civilised nations must join together to protect innocent life and the sacred right of our citizens to live in safety and in peace," Trump continued.

See Trump's full statement here.

Here is a map of the area in Manchester where the attack occurred on Monday (22 May).

The first victim of the Manchester blast has been identified as 18-year-old Georgina Callander. A friend described her as "a beautiful girl with the kindest heart and soul."

US First Lady Melania Trump, wife of President Donald Trump, has tweeted a message of condolences to the families of the victims.

Two US law enforcement officials believe the attacker had travelled by tube to Manchester's Victoria Station before going to the arena's ticket area, where he detonated the explosive device as people were leaving, CBS News reports.

Flags are flying at half mast at both Downing Street and the European Commission in Brussels.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has condemned the "cynical, inhumane crime."

"We hope that its masterminds will not escape the punishment they deserve," the leader said, according to reports.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also released a statement on the attack, which he deemed as "barbaric and sickening".

"London stands united with the great city of Manchester today after this barbaric and sickening attack. This was a cowardly act of terrorism that targeted a concert attended by thousands of children and young people," he said.

"My heart goes out to the victims, their families and everybody affected. Once again we have seen the heroism of our brave emergency services. They have our full support and are in all our thoughts today.

"I am in constant contact with the Metropolitan Police, who are reviewing security arrangements in London. Londoners will see more police on our streets today.
Manchester and the rest of Britain will never be cowed by terrorism. Those who want to destroy our way of life and divide us will never succeed."

Brendan Cox, the husband of Labour MP Joe Cox, who was killed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, last year, has tweeted comments on the attack, which he said it "will not change us.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has released a statement following the blast.

"It was with great sadness and profound shock that I learnt of the brutal attack that struck Manchester, " he said. "It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instil fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration.

"I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Prime Minister May and to the British people. Today we mourn with you. Tomorrow we will work side by side with you to fight back against those who seek to destroy our way of life. They underestimate ours and your resilience – these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our commitment to work together to defeat the perpetrators of such vile acts."

Twitter account "I Love Manchester" has said there are more than 60 unaccompanied children at a Holiday Inn hotel in the city.

British Home Secretary Amber Rudd called the attack "barbaric" and urged citizens to "remain alert".

English musician and singer Liam Gallagher has said he is "in shock" and "devastated" following the bomb attack.

British political parties have suspended their general election campaigns following the blast in Manchester. Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to chair an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBRA) on Tuesday morning (23 May).

David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, also commented on the blast.

Andy Burnham , Mayor of Greater Manchester, has released a statement following the blast, which he described as an "evil act".

"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," he said.

"Our first thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured and we will do whatever we can to support them. We are grieving today but we are strong. Today it will be business as usual as far as possible in our great city. I want to thank the hundreds of police, fire and ambulance staff who worked through the night in the most difficult of circumstance imaginable," he continued.

"Lastly I want to thank the people of Manchester. Even in the minutes after the attack they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger. They gave the best possible immediate response to those who seek to divide us. It will be that spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together."

London's Metropolitan Police said there will be more police officers deployed in the capital following the Manchester blast.

US President Donald Trump, who is currently in Israel, is being updated on the ongoing situation in Manchester, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said.

Manchester police say more than 400 officers were deployed overnight following the blast. Police believe one man carried out the attack on Ariana Grande concert, but not sure if he acted alone.

Police confirm the attacker died at the scene of the blast.

BBC reports that Manchester Police say death toll rises to 22.

Families desperately searching for their missing members are taking to Twitter and other social media platforms to seek help in finding their loves ones.

British Home Secretary Amber Rudd called the attack "barbaric" and urged citizens to "remain alert", but not be alarmed. In a recorded statement, she also urged people to contact police is they have any vital information to share.

"This particular attack was aimed at the most vulnerable in our society, young people, children at a concert."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expresses his condolences to the Manchester attack victims.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn expressed condolences and lauded the emergency services for their bravery and professionalism.

He said: "I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with family and friends of those who have died and been injured.

Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives."

Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and SNP have suspended their election campaigns following the Manchester attack.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message to the Queen to express the country's solidarity with the Manchester attack victims. "The Chinese people are firmly standing together with the British people at this difficult time," Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported Xi as saying in his message.

CNN reports quoting a US official as saying that a male at the scene in Manchester has been identified as the probable suicide bomber, but no official confirmation yet.

British Transport Police say extra officers will be on patrol at key railway stations as well as on trains around the country.

BTP also say: "Manchester Victoria station remains closed, with services being heavily disrupted or suspended, we continue to urge people to avoid the area whilst the recovery efforts continue. We advise morning commuters to check with Transport for Greater Manchester, National Rail Enquiries and Northern before travelling."

North West ambulance services says 60 ambulances attended Manchester Arena in the wake of the blast.

Meanwhile in political circles, the Scottish National party has joined the Tories in suspending their election campaign.

The SNP was due to unveil its election manifesto on Tuesday but has postponed this.

In a statement: SNP leader and Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.

"The Scottish government is working with Police Scotland and the UK government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.

"I will convene a meeting of the Scottish government's resilience committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland."

Ariana Grande has spoken out for the first time since the tragic deaths of 19 fans.

Scooter Braun, who is Ariana Grande's manager, has released a statement via Twitter.

"Tonight, our hearts are broken," he said. "Words cannot express our sorrow for the victims and families harmed in this senseless attack.

"We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act. We are thankful for the selfless service tonight of Manchester's first responders who rushed towards danger to help save lives.

"We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers."

The US Department of Homeland Security said it is "closely monitoring" the situation in Manchester.

Video of Greater Manchester Police's chief constable Ian Hopkins giving the press conference:

North West Ambulance Service have confirmed that the number of wounded has risen to 59.

Manchester police's chief constable, Ian Hopkins has issued a statement, after which he did not take any questions.

He said: "Currently, we have 19 people confirmed to have lost their lives in the explosion and around casualties that are being treated at six hospitals across Greater Manchester.

"My thoughts are very much with those that have been injured and lost their lives and their loved ones at this terrible time. We are doing all that we can to support them.

"Officers from Greater Manchester Police and emergency services are working at the scene and are supporting those affected. We are coordinating the operation here at Greater Manchester police headquarters."

"We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we have further information. We are working closely with the national counter terrorism network and UK intelligence partners.

"This is clearly a very concerning time for everyone."

TMZ is reporting that Ariana Grande is "in hysterics" after learning that 19 people have died at one of her concerts.

She is due to perform next in London on Thursday (25 May), however a contact in Grande's inner circle said that the concert's future is up in the air given the potential security issues and that: "She's in no condition to perform."

No public statement has been released.

First video emerges from inside the arena when the blast took place. Reports have confirmed the blast was outside, however, the video shows the sense of panic inside.

Further to Prime Minister Theresa May's earlier statement, a Conservative source has confirmed that all general election campaigning has stopped till further notice.

May will also chair a meeting of the government's security Cobra committee on Tuesday (23 May).

Two US security sources have told Reuters that they believe a "suicide bomber" was responsible. This has yet to be confirmed by authorities within the UK.

We are expecting a police press conference shortly. We will bring you updates as we receive them.

Prime Minister Theresa May has released a statement following the suspected terror attack.

"We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack," she said.

"All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected."

The Manchester Evening News has tweeted its front page, which reflects the tragedy of so many young lives being lost.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has tweeted to send condolences to the families of lost ones and paid tribute to the first responders.

Some reports of missing people:

Abby Mullen, who was at the concert, has shared her shocking account of being caught up in the blast on Facebook. It has been shared over 12,000 times.

Police warn not to be concerned as there is going to be a controlled explosion shortly.

Manchester Arena have released a statement stating that the explosion took place outside the building following a statement from British Transport Police which said the explosion took place in the foyer. Greater Manchester Police said that the explosion took place in a "public area".

This is what we know so far.

• Police have confirmed that 19 people have died after explosions following a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande.
• There are reports of up to 50 people injured
• The incident is being treated as a a possible terrorist related act although this has not been confirmed
• British Transport Police reported that one explosion took place in the venue's foyer at around 10.30pm

There is some speculation that Isis was responsible for the incident, with some affiliated Twitter accounts taking responsibility, however there has been no official claim by Amaq – Isis' propaganda outlet.

The full statement from Manchester police has come out.

It says: "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 others injured.

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

More disturbing videos from inside the arena have emerged.

Greater Manchester Police confirm that 19 people are confirmed dead with 50 more injured.

Here are some of the latest images from the scene:

Other witnesses have told of the fear following the explosions at the concert.

Josh Elliott, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "A bang went off and everyone stopped and screamed... we basically hit the deck. It was bedlam... it was horrific."

Meanwhile, a barman at the nearby Steven Charles Snooker Club, who gave his name to the Press Association as Tyler, said: "We've had a few people in with panic attacks and in all kinds of disarray.

"We've got four girls here - trying to get them sorted to get picked up. There was a gentleman on the floor with his leg all bleeding and woman with blood down one side of her face.

"We felt something but didn't know what it was - there was a sound like thunder. One girl had a panic attack and another had streaming tears, a woman had a heart attack just outside," he told the Press Association.

A source at the North West Counter Terror Unit has told Sky News that the incident is being treated as a possible terror incident.

The Guardian journalist Frances Perraudin has tweeted a video of a bomb disposal squad has tweeted this video.

Celebrities have been tweeting their sympathies and thoughts.

Great Manchester police have urged people to avoid the area of the explosions in the centre of the city.

NHS Trust has Tweeted for people not to call unless absolutely necessary as they deal with the aftermath of the explosions.

British Transport Police are reporting that the explosion was in the foyer area of the arena. Here is their statement:

Witness reports are coming through from the aftermath of the explosion at Manchester Arena.

Jenna-Lea May Alston told LADbible: "The lights came on and we heard a massive bang. I've never heard anything like it in my life. It was louder than fireworks. There was screaming, you didn't know what to do.

"We tried to go out, and when we did, two girls opened the doors and instantly ran back screaming that there was a bomb. We all thought the absolute worst.

"Eventually when they told us to evacuate we went down the same set of stairs and all I could see were bodies, smoke and blood. I could see man with blood down his back, and young girls.

"It was by where the old McDonald's used to be. There were bodies lying on the floor, I saw it with my own eyes."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has tweeted to say his thoughts are with all those affected. No word yet from Theresa May, Tim Farron, or Andy Burnham – who was recently elected Manchester's Mayor.

The Holiday Inn, walking distance from the Manchester Arena, is reportedly taking in children who have been separated from their parents.

Taxi drivers are offering free lifts home for people affected by the dramatic events at Manchester Arena.

Network Rail have confirmed that all trains from Victoria Station, which is next to Manchester Arena, have been cancelled for the night.

Here is video uploaded by social media of the chaotic scenes that followed the explosion at the Manchester Arena.

Footage has emerged which appears to show audio from the blast. Can be heard from a long way away.

Harrowing scenes from inside the arena as hundreds of people run away. Yet to receive confirmation of what has occurred, but is clearly a very serious incident.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that are a "number of fatalities".

This starts the coverage by IBTimes UK of a "serious" incident that police are responding at the Manchester Arena. There are reports of an explosion and people are said to have fled the venue following a concert by the singer Ariana Grande.