'Possible terror attack' after Ariana Grande gig at Manchester Arena

Nineteen people have died and around 50 others are injured following a suspected terror attack at the Manchester Arena.Greater Manchester Police said the explosion, which happened just before 10.35pm on Monday, was being treated as a suspected terror incident.

Officers carried out a controlled explosion at nearby Cathedral Gardens shortly after 1.30am, but have since confirmed the item they found was abandoned clothing and not suspicious.

Also Read: Manchester Arena witness: 'People were running and screaming'

Witnesses reported hearing a "huge bang" at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. A spokesman for the US singer has confirmed she is unharmed.

Armed police have lined the streets outside the arena, with officers moving members of the public away, and bomb disposal units are at the scene.

Manchester's Victoria station, which backs onto the arena, has been evacuated and all trains cancelled.

In a statement, Manchester Arena said the incident had happened outside the venue "in a public space".

Details of a casualty bureau will be released "as soon as available", police have said.Sky News Home Affairs correspondent Mark White said hospitals in the area were treating "a number of people with what are believed to be shrapnel-type injuries".

Also Read: 19 Dead In Explosion At Ariana Grande's Concert In Manchester: British Police

One lady told me she heard a loud explosion and they were asked to leave the arena quickly. She saw a number of people being treated in ambulances."

Concert-goers affected by the suspected terror attack have been offered shelter by residents, taxi drivers are said to be offering free rides and there are reports that a hotel near the venue has taken in dozens of children.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham tweeted: "My heart goes out to families who have lost loved ones, my admiration to our brave emergency services. A terrible night for our great city."Prime Minister Theresa May has said her thoughts are with the victims and families of those affected in "what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack".

Sky News producer Steph Oliver, reporting from Manchester, said: "I've spoken to a few people who were inside at the time and they are all very shaken up at the moment.

Source: SkyNEWS