22 Dead, 50 Injured After Explosion At Manchester Arena
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MANCHESTER, England (CBSDFW.COM) - Police say 22 people have been killed and more than 50 wounded following an explosion Monday night at an Ariana Grande concert in northern England.
The attack was conducted by a suicide bomber, two U.S. law enforcement sources tell CBS News.
There were no immediate details of what happened during the concert by the American singer, but police advised the public to avoid the area around the Manchester Arena. The singer was not hurt.
She tweeted late Monday night:
Witnesses reported hearing two loud bangs coming from near the arena's bars.
"A huge bomb-like bang went off that hugely panicked everyone and we were all trying to flee the arena," concertgoer Majid Khan, 22, told Britain's Press Association. "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."
Added Oliver Jones, 17, said, "The bang echoed around the foyer of the arena and people started to run."
An emergency number is available for people concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. The number is 0161 856 9400.
The Department of Homeland Security released the following statement Monday night.
The Department of Homeland Security is closely monitoring the situation at Manchester Arena in the United Kingdom. We are working with our foreign counterparts to obtain additional information about the cause of the reported explosion as well as the extent of injuries and fatalities.
U.S. citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected U.S. citizens who need assistance to contact the U.S. Embassy in London and follow Department of State guidance.
At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving music venues in the United States. However, the public may experience increased security in and around public places and events as officials take additional precautions.
We stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the U.K. in all ways necessary as they investigate and recover from this incident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this incident.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement on the deadly attack in the United Kingdom:
"I am truly saddened by the horrific events occurring in Manchester tonight," said Governor Abbott. "As the U.K. remains on high alert, I ask that all Texans join Cecilia and me in praying for all those affected. An attack on one democracy is an attack on us all, and we must remain steadfast in our efforts to eradicate terrorists. The state of Texas offers our full support for the victims and families impacted by this tragedy."
