19 dead after ‘possible terrorist incident’ at Ariana Grande Manchester gig
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Singer Ariana Grande performs onstage during Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row on September 7, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Macy’s)
Police confirmed that 19 people have died and at least 50 have been injured at a possible “terrorist incident” at an Ariana Grande gig at Manchester Arena.
The emergency services rushed to the scene as videos showed fans fleeing the arena in tears.
Police have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a terrorist incident until more is known.
Those in attendance at the gig were evacuated from the arena and rail operators confirmed that stations nearby had been brought to a standstill by the rush.
Theresa May has commented, saying: “We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.”
A spokesman for Ariana Grande confirmed the singer is “okay”, continuing: “We are further investigating what happened”.
Local hotels have been housing children separated from their parents and police have said they are setting up a number for people to call to check on loved ones.
One person in attendance tweeted: “Just ran from an explosion, genuinely thought we were gonna die.”
Another added: “Explosion at Manchester Arena, we were evacuated, a LOT of police here.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Police responded to reports of an incident at Manchester Arena. Please stay away from the area. More details to follow…”
Evie Brewster, who attended the concert, told MailOnline: “Ariana Grande had just finished her last song and left the stage when a huge explosion sounded.
“Suddenly everybody started screaming and running for the exit.”
“We could hear the police and ambulance sirens. It was terrifying.
“There were thousands of people trying to get out at once. They were all screaming and crying. The whole place smelt smokey and burnt.
“The explosion sounded like it was inside the building somewhere.”
Another witness told MailOnline that the noise sounded like a “gunshot”.
A British Transport Police spokesman added: “We are aware of an incident at Manchester Arena. We have officers at the scene and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”
The gig was sold out and Manchester Arena has a capacity of 21,000.
