Manchester attack: Concert bomber targeted children

Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people. Lauren Hurley/PA Wire - Credit: PA

The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the Manchester suicide bombing which killed 22 victims, including an eight-year-old girl.

People running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. @Zach_bruce/PA Wire – Credit: PA

The attack on concert-goers at the Manchester Arena was the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 attacks almost 12 years ago.

A lone bomber detonated a homemade device packed with nuts and bolts in the foyer of the arena as thousands of young people were leaving a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande on Monday night.

Among the dead were eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos and teenager Georgina Callander.

World leaders including Angela Merkel, Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Trump have expressed their sympathies and EU flags have been lowered to half-mast in Brussels.

Police officers lay flowers in tribute to the Manchester victims. PA Photo by Martin Rickett/PA – Credit: PA

General Election campaigning has been suspended until further notice.

The attacker has been named as Salman Abedi and a 23-year-old man has also been arrested in connection with the atrocity.

Speaking outside Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergency committee, May said the perpetrator had chosen the time and place of his attack deliberately to cause ‘maximum carnage and to kill and injure indiscriminately’.

May, who later flew to Manchester to speak to police chiefs, paid tribute to emergency workers and members of the public who rushed to help.

People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester Martin Rickett/PA Wire – Credit: PA

The PM said: ‘It is now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester and of this country have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack, an attack that targeted some of the youngest people in our society with cold calculation.

‘This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom, and, although it was not the first time Manchester has suffered in this way, it is the worst attack the city has experienced and the worst ever to hit the north of England.

‘We now know that a single terrorist detonated his improvised explosive device near one of the exits of the venue, deliberately choosing the time and place to cause maximum carnage and to kill and injure indiscriminately.

‘All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.’

An artist writes a message in St Ann’s Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire – Credit: PA

The Prime Minister said the official threat level remains at severe – meaning an attack is highly likely – but this would continue to be assessed.

Police were called to reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena at 10.33pm on Monday, shortly after the end of the performance.

The massive blast sparked panic as crowds rushed to exit the venue, which has a capacity of 21,000.