LIVE UPDATES | Manchester Arena attack: 22 dead and 59 hurt

Merseyside Police Statement following attack at Manchester Arena

Following the incident in Manchester, Merseyside Police’s Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected by the terrible events in Manchester last night.

“A number of people have tragically died and many more have been injured during what should actually have been a safe and enjoyable night out at a concert for young people and their families.

“Our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police as well as those in the other emergency services have been working tirelessly since the incident to investigate what happened and protect the public and we will support them in every way we can.

“A number of officers from this force have travelled to Manchester to offer mutual aid to our colleagues and other officers have come into work having been off-duty to maintain a visible presence in our own communities.

“I understand that this attack will feel very close to home for many local people who will understandably be worried. So I would like to reassure everyone in Merseyside that their safety is paramount and there is currently no specific threat to any particular locations or areas here.

“We have reviewed our resources as part of a range of measures to reassure communities and make sure we are well protected during these times of high alert.

“Police officers will, as always, be asked to be vigilant and we will maintain a visible presence in and around key locations.

“At times like this it is vital that all communities pull together and support each other. Everybody, from law enforcement, to businesses, to the general public, has a role to play in keeping the UK safe from terrorism.

“Be vigilant. If you suspect it, report it. Nobody is better placed to detect something that is out of place in their communities than the people living in them. We would encourage you, if you do see any suspicious activity, to call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or call police on 101 immediately.

“An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area – 0161 856 9400.”

LIVE UPDATES | Manchester Arena blast: 19 dead and about 50 hurt

Nineteen people have been killed and about 50 injured in a suspected terror attack at Manchester Arena.

Police were called to reports of an explosion at the venue at about 22:35 BST on Monday following a pop concert by the US singer Ariana Grande.

The cause of the blast is unknown but North West Counter Terrorism Unit is treating it as a possible terrorist incident.

Greater Manchester Police is working to set up a contact number for relatives.

19 dead after explosion at Ariana Grande concert

A concert-goer named Josh told the BBC there was pandemonium and confusion as people tried to flee the scene, some reportedly covered in blood and many in tears.

He said: “She finished her last song .. and we heard like a really basey bang, and all I can remember is just everyone … was just running out… people were covered in blood, some people were having a fight, it was quite scary.

One fan leaving the concert described how the bangs ripped through the arena, which has a capacity of 21,000. It is not known how many people were attending the concert, but the majority of the American pop star’s fans are young females in their teens and twenties.

“The lights came on after the gig and people were starting to leave. As I turned to the left there was an explosion. It was about 40ft behind us near one of the exits. We just thought it was people messing about then it happened again. Another explosion sounded.

“Then we saw the smoke. Everyone just fled. Some people were injured. We saw blood on people when we got outside. People were just running all over the place.

“People have said it was a speaker or balloons but it wasn’t. It was explosions.”