Children among 22 dead after Manchester suicide bombing

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the bomb attack which killed 22 people, including children, in Manchester.

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Ian Hopkins says 59 people are being treated for injuries after a suicide bomber detonated a device at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande.

The US star has said she is "broken''.

The first victim of the attack has also been named by her college as Georgina Callander.

Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire, spoke of its "enormous sadness'' after hearing that the student died as a result of the blast.

A dedicated emergency hotline has been launched for those concerned about anyone who may have been in the area.

The helpline number is 0161 856 9400.

Facebook activated its safety check feature so that people can let their family and friends know they are safe.

Twitter was flooded with frantic appeals from relatives and friends of missing concert-goers.

Among those missing after the gig were two Scottish teenagers from the Isle of Barra.

First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon said a further four people have attended hospitals in Scotland following the incident.

Greater Manchester Police said: "An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area.''

Tweeting in the early hours of Tuesday, the 23-year-old said: "broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.''

Meanwhile Grande's management team, Scooter Braun Projects, said they had been left heartbroken by the incident and praised the actions of Manchester's emergency services.

They 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 toward 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.''

A spokesman for the singer had earlier said she had been uninjured in the incident.

As investigators begin to piece together what happened, here is a summary of events so far:

:: Police said around 50 people were injured, while North West Ambulance Service said 59 casualties had been taken to six hospitals around the city.

:: Home Secretary Amber Rudd has described it as a "barbaric act'', while Prime Minister Theresa May said her thoughts are with those affected by the "appalling'' incident and will chair a Cobra meeting on Tuesday.

:: Officers carried out a controlled explosion on a second suspect item, which they later said was abandoned clothing.

Witnesses reported hearing a "huge bang'' at around 10.30pm, as fans were leaving the arena shortly after the show finished.

One fan, Majid Khan, 22, described how the explosion happened: "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.''

Oliver Jones, 17, who attended with his 19-year-old sister, said: "The bang echoed around the foyer of the arena and people started to run.

"I seen people running and screaming towards one direction and then many were turning around to run back the other way.''

The area around the arena was swamped with police and emergency services and approach roads were closed.

Manchester's Victoria station, which backs on to the arena, was evacuated and all trains and trams cancelled.

Meanwhile the ambulance service warned people only to call "for life-threatening emergencies'' and said a "large number of resources'' were at the incident.

Manchester Fire and Rescue described the incident as "utterly heartbreaking'' and asked people not to dial 999 "unless you really need us''.

Manchester Arena said the explosion happened "outside the venue in a public space''.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims,'' it said.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "This is an absolutely horrifying incident and our thoughts are with everyone affected, especially those who have lost loved ones or been injured and traumatised.

"If it is confirmed this was a terrorist attack it is a monstrous act but also a deeply futile one. Manchester is a proud and strong city and we will not allow those who seek to sow fear and division to achieve their aims.

"We give heartfelt thanks to our emergency services for their response and council staff are doing all they can to support.''

North West Ambulance Service said it has taken 59 casualties to various hospitals and treated a number of walking wounded at the scene.

Mr Hopkins said: "At around 10.33pm we received reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena in the city centre.

"This was at the conclusion of the Ariana Grande concert.

"Currently, we have 19 people confirmed to have lost their lives in the explosion and around 50 casualties that are being treated at six hospitals around Greater Manchester.

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

An emergency number was established for those concerned about loved ones - 0161 856 9400.

Mr Hopkins said: "We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we have further information, we are working closely with national counter-terrorism policing network and UK intelligence partners.

"This is clearly a very concerning time for everyone. We are doing all that we can, working with local and national agencies to support those affected as we gather information about what happened last night.''

• Ariana Grande