‘Terrorist Incident’: 19 Killed, 50 Injured in UK Arena Explosion

By RT

May 22, 2017 "Information Clearing House" -  Nineteen people have been confirmed dead and around 50 others injured by police who are now treating the explosion that happened outside the Manchester Arena as a terrorist incident until they “know otherwise”

 

LIVE UPDATES: Manchester Arena incident

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the number of fatalities in a statement which read:

“Just before 10:35pm on Monday 22 May 2017, police were called to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena. So far 19 people have been confirmed dead, with around 50 other injured.”

 

“This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise”.

A large number of ambulances and police vehicles are at the scene following a number of unconfirmed reports of explosion-like noises. However, no reports of an explosion have yet been officially confirmed.

“Officers are at Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion within the foyer area of the stadium at 10.30pm this evening,” British Transport Police said in a statement. “Emergency services are at the scene and we are working to establish more information regarding the explosion and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”

Several concert-goers reported hearing loud bangs which some have speculated may have been from the popping of large gas-filled balloons.

The panicked crowd were filmed fleeing the arena following the bangs. Greater Manchester Police responded to the scene, calling it a “serious incident” and has advised people to stay away from the area.

Loud sirens can be heard throughout Manchester and a heavy presence of police and emergency vehicles are in the area.

 

"We were making our way out and when we were right by the door there was a massive explosion and everybody was screaming," eyewitness Catherine Macfarlane told Reuters.

"It was a huge explosion – you could feel it in your chest. It was chaotic. Everybody was running and screaming and just trying to get out of the area."

 

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