Manchester Attacks: Live Updates
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
*Warning: This article contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised.*
*Update*
A trainee pilot has been arrested in West Sussex in connection with the Manchester attack. He is the 16th person to be arrested.
*Update*
Authorities have arrested three other people in connection with the Manchester attack. This brings the total number of people in custody to four, including the bomber’s brother.
*Update*
Accused Manchester attacker, Salman Abedi, traveled to Libya for three weeks prior to the bombing. He returned to the U.K. only days before the attack.
Manchester bomber, Salman Abedi
*Update*
Singer Ariana Grande has suspended the remainder of her world tour in light of last night’s events.
The singer is said to be “heartbroken and in hysterics” following the attack.
*Update*
UN Security Council Condemns “Barbaric Attack”
“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack which took place in Manchester,” the UNSC said.
The UNSC added that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”
*Update*
So far authorities have found no connection between the attacker and any established terror group. Also, no final determination has been made in regard to the sophistication of the explosive device.
*Update*
Authorities have identified 22 year-old Salman Abedi as the Manchester attacker. More information to come.
*Update*
Queen Elizabeth, along with Prince Philip, hold a moment of silence at Buckingham palace in tribute to Manchester victims.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip observe a minute’s silence, at the start of a garden party at Buckingham Palace in London, Tuesday, May 23, 2017.
(Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP)
*Update*
Prince William releases statement regarding last night’s terror attack.
*Update*
Prince Charles releases a statement regarding last night’s terror attack.
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla
“My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night,” read a statement from the Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
“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.”
*Update*
Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance.
*Update*
Manchester Arena, the site of last night’s deadly attack, has issued a statement via Twitter.
The devastating attack came as concertgoers were leaving an Ariana Grande concert.
Reactions come swiftly.
People tend to the injured. Photo credit @ AP
While any terror attack is devastating, this one seems to have hit a particular cord with the world given that so many of those in attendance were children. Speaking after an emergency Cabinet meeting, British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the attack as “callous” and “cowardly.”
The Days Ahead
The injured are assisted by emergency personnel. Photo credit @ Joel Goodman
With many people still missing, authorities and families alike are struggling with the chaos that naturally surrounds such events. Many have taken to social media in an effort to find their loved ones. Facebook activated its “Safety Check” feature and Twitter users are utilizing hashtags, among other things, trying to connect people.
In a beautiful act of solidarity, many people in Manchester offered rides and warm beds to those that might need them. Surrounding hotels offered the same with many families converging to the surrounding areas in an effort to find those missing.