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Updated | Police make arrest in connection with Manchester bombing which left 22 dead, 59 injured

Police arrest 23-year-old man in connection with suicide attack at Manchester Arena • First victim named as 18-year-old student Georgina Callander • ISIS claims responsibility for the attack

Last updated on 23 May 2017, 1:50pm
3 min read
Armed police at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande concert
Armed police at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande concert

British police have confirmed the arrest of a 23-year old man in connection with a suicide bomb attack in Manchester which killed 22 people and injured dozens at a concert by American singer Ariana Grande.

"With regards to last night's incident at the Manchester Arena, we can confirm we have arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester," Greater Manchester Police said on Twitter on Tuesday.

The incident unfolded at around 10.30pm (11.30pm CET) on Monday at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande, whose music is popular with children and teenagers.

As crowds began leaving the concert, the explosion ripped through the foyer of Manchester Arena. At least 22 people have died and 59 were injured, with medics describing wounds consistent with shrapnel injury.

An injured woman is helped by emergency services in Manchester
An injured woman is helped by emergency services in Manchester

The injured, including children and young people, are being treated at eight hospitals in Greater Manchester.

The death toll makes the attack the deadliest attack on British soil since the 7/7 bombings.

Police confirmed that the bomber died upon detonating an improvised explosive devise. The priority for police was to establish if he was acting alone or as part of a network, a chief constable told a news conference.

An injured man is seen being led away from Manchester Arena
An injured man is seen being led away from Manchester Arena

Later, the Islamic State militant group claimed it was behind the attack, through messaging app Telegram. The group frequently claims attacks in their aftermath.

Delivering a press conference outside her Downing Street office in London, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said police believed they knew the identity of the bomber but would not publicly confirm his name.

Significant resources have been made available to police while they establish the facts of whether he was part of a larger group, she said.

"All acts of terrorism are cowardly...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," May said.

"The attempt to divide us met countless acts of kindness that brought people closer together."

The first victim of the attack has been named as 18-year-old student Georgina Callander. She was studying health and social care at Runshaw College in Lancashire.

Georgina Callander with Ariana Grande in an image Instagrammed two years ago
Georgina Callander with Ariana Grande in an image Instagrammed two years ago

Runshaw College released a statement, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday’s Manchester attack was one of our students here at Runshaw College [...]

“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina’s friends, family, and all of those affected by this loss.”

Police confirmed a bomb disposal squad carried out a controlled explosion of a suspect device around 1.00am, although this turned out to be benign.

Shortly after the attack, Grande tweeted: "Broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have words."

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat took to Twitter in the aftermath of the explosion to extend his condolences to the victims and their families. He added that he was “aware of presence of Malta nationals”, although he was “not informed of any casualties among them so far.”

The attack came less than three weeks before Britain’s general election on 8 June. May and the leaders of other political parties have suspended campaigning for the general election.

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