Manchester Arena attack: What we know so far

 what a sorry sight.  
 23 May 2017

Twenty-two people have been killed and 59 injured in an explosion at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena.

Here is what we know so far.
What happened?

The explosion happened in the foyer of Manchester Arena on Monday night, as crowds began leaving the concert.

Eyewitnesses described seeing metal nuts and bolts strewn around the floor and the smell of explosives after the home-made bomb went off.

They also spoke about the fear and confusion that gripped concert-goers, some of whom mistook the bang of the bomb for exploding balloons.
Media captionPowerful stories from people who were at Manchester Arena on Monday night

Police were called at 22:33 BST and streets surrounding the arena and Victoria Station were sealed off.

Children are among the 22 killed in the explosion, police said. A further 59 people were injured.

More than 240 emergency calls were made; 60 ambulances and 400 police officers attended.

After the attack hundreds of people in Manchester took to social media to offer spare beds and rooms for those stranded in the city.
Who carried out the attack?

Police say a lone male suicide bomber detonated a home-made bomb, and died at the scene.

They are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a wider network.

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said the force would treat the incident as a terror attack "until we have further information".
What has happened to those involved?

The injured are being treated at hospitals in and around Manchester.

A hotline has been set up for people concerned about loved ones - on 0161 856 9400 and 0161 856 9900.

A help centre for anyone needing assistance has also been set up at Gate 11 of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

Relatives are using social media to hunt for missing loved ones.
How has the government responded?

Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the "appalling terrorist attack".

"All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected," she said.

She is chairing a meeting of the emergency committee Cobra on Tuesday morning.

All general election campaigning has been suspended until further notice.

A union jack has been lowered to half mast in Downing Street.
What disruption has been caused?

A cordon remains in place around Manchester Arena and Victoria Station while forensic work is carried out.

All train services to and from Victoria station have been cancelled.

Security has been stepped up in Manchester, London and at transport hubs around the UK.
What do we know about the investigation?

The investigation is "complex and wide ranging", police have said, and they have urged people not to speculate on the attacker's identity.

Police are working with the National Counter Terrorism Policing Network and the intelligence services to try to establish more details about the attacker.

GMP chief constable Ian Hopkins said it was the "most horrific incident" Greater Manchester has faced.

If the bombing is confirmed to be a terrorist attack, it would be the worst in the UK since 52 people were killed in the London bombings of July 2005.