At least 19 people have been killed and 50 injured in what police are currently treating as a “terrorist” incident in Manchester.
Emergency services including armed police descended on the city after an explosion went off during a pop concert at Manchester Arena.
Greater Manchester Police have just released this statement:
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena pic.twitter.com/BEpLOan3dY
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
They also tweeted that there “will be a controlled explosion in Cathedral Gardens shortly if you hear anything don’t be concerned”. They later said it was “precautionary” and confirmed it was “abandoned clothing”, not a suspicious item.
Manchester Arena also released a statement on Twitter. It reads:
— Manchester Arena (@ManchesterArena) 23 May 2017
Witnesses reported hearing a “huge bang” at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig and police have warned people to stay away from the area.
One fan at the concert described how the explosion hit the venue as fans were leaving the building.
Majid Khan, 22, said: “I and my sister, along with a lot of others were seeing Ariana Grande perform at Manchester Arena, and we were all exiting the venue when around 10.40-10,45pm-ish a huge bomb-like bang went off that hugely panicked everyone and we were all trying to flee the arena.
“It was one bang and essentially everyone from the other side of the arena where the bang was heard from suddenly came running towards us as they were trying to exit Trinity Way and that was blocked so everyone was just running to any exit they could find as quickly as they could.
“Everyone was in a huge state of panic, calling each other as some had gone to the toilet whilst this had gone off, so it was just extremely disturbing for everyone there.”
Manchester’s Victoria station, which backs onto the arena, has been evacuated and all trains cancelled.
National Rail said in an online statement: “Emergency services are dealing with an incident at Manchester Arena. As Manchester Victoria is located near the arena, the station has been evacuated and all lines closed.
“Trains are currently unable to run to / from Manchester Victoria. Some trains will be cancelled throughout or start / terminate at alternative stations. Disruption is expected to continue until end of the day.”
Jade Baynes, 18, from Hull, was told to run from the area by armed police after leaving the concert arena.
She said she heard loud bangs and what sounded like gunshots just after the entertainment had finished.
She added: “There were just a loud bang and a flash and everyone tried to scramble out.
“An alarm came on telling everyone to stay calm but leave as quickly as possible.”
Jade and her friend Jasmine Mia, 21, also from Hull, said there appeared to be some sort of commotion in the first tier of the arena, with a number of stewards stood around the seats.
Armed police have now swamped the streets around the arena and police are moving members of the public away from the area.
British Transport Police said: “Officers are at Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion within the foyer area of the stadium at 10.30pm this evening.
“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.”
A spokesman for American singer Ariana Grande, who was performing at the arena, told the BBC she was okay.
There are also reports that a hotel near the venue has taken in dozens of children following an explosion that killed 19 people and injured around 50 others.
More to follow.