UPDATE 7.30pm

Salman Abedi, the 22-year-old named as the suicide bomber behind Monday's terror attack on Manchester Arena, was born in the city and is believed to be of Libyan descent.

UPDATE 6.20pm 

UPDATE 5.55pm 

UPDATE 5.45pm

Hundreds of people are currently outside the Senedd for the Manchester attack vigil.

UPDATE 5.39pm

Here is what we know so far about the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena that targeted young concert-goers.
22 people, including many children, have been killed and 59 injured in the blast.
The attack was carried out by a lone male suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device. He died at the arena.
He has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi.
Security services are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a network.
A 23-year-old has been arrested in South Manchester in connection with the incident.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The first victim has been named as college student Georgina Callander. Eight-year-old schoolgirl Saffie Roussos was also killed.
Speaking after chairing a Cobra meeting on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Theresa May said the "callous" attack was "among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom".
A vigil will be held at 6pm on Tuesday in Albert Square, Manchester.
The explosion took place at Manchester Arena as people began streaming from the doors after a show by American singer Ariana Grande.
Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the venue at around 10.33pm and approach roads were closed.
Manchester Victoria station was evacuated and trains cancelled until at least the end of Tuesday.
The injured - including 12 under the age of 16 - were being treated at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said.
President Donald Trump expressed his "deepest condolences" to the victims and branded the attackers "evil losers".
Extra police officers have been put on duty in London in the wake of the attack, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick announced.
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester metro mayor, called the atrocity "an evil act".
All national General Election campaigning was suspended after the explosion.
A controlled explosion was carried out on Tuesday afternoon, as part of the investigation, at an address in Fallowfield.

UPDATE 5.28pm

Greater Manchester Police's chief constable Ian Hopkins as named the suspect as 22-year-old Salman Abedi.

UPDATE 5.00pm

Armed officers raided the address of Manchester bombing suspect Salman Abedi, ordering residents indoors as they carried out a controlled explosion.

UPDATE 4.34pm


ANDY Burnham, the Greater Manchester metro mayor, has said the attack was an "evil act" that had caused anger, shock and hurt.

UPDATE 3.55pm

THE first victim of the Manchester bomb attack at the city's arena has been named by her college as Georgina Callander.

Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire, spoke of its "enormous sadness" after hearing that the student died as a result of the blast at the Ariana Grande concert.

A spokesman said in a statement the young girl was on the second year of her health and social care course, and was a former student at Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy.

"Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina's family, friends, and all of those affected by this loss," the college said.

"We are offering all available support possible at this tragic time, including counselling with our dedicated student support team."

Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy confirmed that Georgina died as a result of the injuries she sustained.

In a statement the school said: "Georgina was a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff and always made the most of the opportunities she had at the school.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Georgina's family at this terrible time, and we think especially of her brothers Harry and Daniel who were also former students of the school.

"All of our students will gather together today for a time of prayer and reflection and to give thanks for the life of Georgina."
 

UPDATE 3.50pm

UPDATE 3.45pm

UPDATE 3.30pm

UPDATE 3.24pm

In respect of the forthcoming UEFA Champions League finals, which will be held in Cardiff from June 1, a spokeswoman for South Wales Police said detailed safety and security planning and preparation has been underway for many months.

She said: "For the whole period our planning and preparation has been ongoing, the threat level across the UK has remained at severe and all our security plans reflect this threat. Our approach to policing this major sporting event is intelligence-led and risk-based which gives us the flexibility to respond to any changes.

"Extensive searches and installation of security measures for the Champions League finals have been taking place in Cardiff during the past week and will continue in the run-up to the event. 

"Access to areas around the stadiums on event days will be extremely limited, and ticket-holders can expect to be subject to rigorous security checks.  Measures will also be taken to restrict vehicular access to a number of areas within Cardiff.

"We are working with our partners here in South Wales as well as with other security forces across the country to ensure a safe and secure environment for the Finals in June, as well as other concerts and major events held in the region.

"We advise the public to be alert and not alarmed. We urge our communities to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to the confidential Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789321."

UPDATE 3.20pm

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis, of South Wales Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by last night’s events in Manchester.

"South Wales Police is reviewing its current security arrangements and monitoring updates from Greater Manchester Police.

"There is no specific threat to this region however the public are urged to be extra vigilant and to report suspicious incidents.

"Police visibility will increase in certain areas, such as crowded places and iconic locations across the South Wales Police force area."

UPDATE 3.15pm

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have expressed their "most heartfelt sympathy" for the families and friends of the victims of the "truly dreadful" Manchester terrorist attack.

UPDATE 3.12pm

Manchester Arena blast: What we know so far

UPDATE 3.05pm

UPDATE 3pm

UPDATE 2.56pm

Traumatised families have been providing comfort to each other after gathering at a support centre set up in the aftermath of the Manchester attack, the British Red Cross said.

People needing assistance were asked to go to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium where they have been given emotional support.

Niall Pemberton, British Red Cross senior emergency response officer, said: "We have been on site since about 8am providing practical and emotional support to the friends and family of people that were affected by the incident last night.

"Our role is to try and enable people to come to terms with it themselves and to process it in any way they can.

"We will be here as long as we are needed."

UPDATE 2.52pm

UPDATE 2.50pm

Strong security is in place at high-profile sports and entertainment venues who have stressed that safety is of "paramount importance".

Wembley Stadium officials said there will be "an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events".

Officials for the Wimbledon tennis Grand Slam, which is due to start in south-west London on July 3, have been working with the police to bolster security measures.

Wembley Stadium is set to host the FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea on Saturday, the League Two play-off final between Blackpool and Exeter on Sunday and the Championship play-off final between Huddersfield and Reading on Monday.

A Football Association spokesman said: "Fan safety is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium.

"In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events.

"All supporters are encouraged to arrive for events at Wembley Stadium as early as possible for security checks and to avoid any delays in entering the stadium."

The Chelsea Flower Show, which expects to see 165,000 visitors pass through its gates by time the event closes on Saturday, said it is maintaining a "strong security presence".

A Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) spokesman said: "We have a very strong security presence at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and work closely with the police and emergency services throughout the year to ensure an appropriate policing plan is in place."
 

UPDATE 2.47pm

A father said finding his 16-year-old daughter in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena blast was “the best moment of my life all over again”.

UPDATE 2.40pm

UPDATE 2.35pm

MANCHESTER'S blood donor centres experienced an "incredible" response from the public in the wake of the terror attack in the city.

UPDATE 2.25pm

THERESA May has made a statement in Downing Street following the Manchester attack.

She said: "I have just chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency committee Cobra where we discussed the details of, and the response to, the appalling events in Manchester last night.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families and friends of all those affected.

"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 is 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.

"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.

"The police and security services believe they know the identity of the perpetrator but at this stage of their investigations we cannot confirm his name.

"The threat level remains at severe - that means a terrorist attack remains highly likely. But the independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which sets the threat level on the basis of the intelligence available to them, will continue to assess this throughout today and in the days ahead.

"Later today I will travel to Manchester to meet the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police Ian Hopkins, the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and members of the emergency services who have come to Manchester's aid in its moment of need.

"And, as I announced last night, the General Election campaign has been suspended.

"I will chair another meeting of Cobra later today.

"At terrible moments like these, it is customary for leaders, politicians, and others to condemn the perpetators and declare that the terrorists will not win.

"But the fact we have been here before and the fact we need to say this again does not make it any less true.

"For as so often while we experienced the worst of humanity in Manchester last night, we also saw the best.

"There will be difficult days ahead. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of those affected.

"We offer our full support to the authorities, the emergency and the security services as they go about their work, and we all - every single one of us- stand with the people of Manchester at this terrible time.

"And today, let us remember those who died and let us celebrate those who helped - safe in the knowledge that the terrorists will never win and our values, our country, and our way of life will always prevail."

Update 2.24pm

GREATER Manchester Police said a controlled explosion has taken place at an address in Fallowfield as part of the investigation into the Manchester bomb attack.

UPDATE: 2.22pm

TAKE That have cancelled their Liverpool tour date on Tuesday and O2 concertgoers have been warned to expect tighter security checks at the O2 Arena in the wake of the explosion at Ariana Grande's Manchester date.

The band was supposed to be performing its Wonderland tour at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Tuesday evening and was booked into the Manchester Arena for Thursday, Friday and Saturday in their home town, but tweeted they were pulling out of Tuesday's show as a mark of respect to the victims of the attack.

A statement on the group's Twitter page read: "Out of respect to all of the people and their families that were affected by the horrific incident last night at The Manchester Arena we have decided to postpone our show tonight in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."

UPDATE: 2.18pm

Exams could be delayed or cancelled in the wake of the Manchester bombing.

Schools have been advised to contact exam boards if they believe it is not appropriate to go ahead with GCSE and A-level tests on Tuesday.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) said: "Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by last night's terrible incident in Manchester.

"GCSE and A-level examinations are taking place today across the UK but, understandably, some students, schools and colleges will have been affected by the bombing.

"School leaders are best placed to decide if exams should go ahead and, if they decide they are not, exam boards will make sure that no student is disadvantaged."

A spokesman said students affected may be eligible for "special consideration".

The JCQ added: "Schools and colleges affected by the bombing should contact the relevant exam boards. Students affected should speak to their teachers."

The spokesman added that while the situation is likely to mainly affect Manchester, it may also have an impact on students from other areas who travelled to the concert.

UPDATE: 2.15pm

MANCHESTER United have expressed their shock at the terrorist attack in Manchester and held a minute's silence before their last training session before flying to Wednesday's Europa League final in Stockholm.

United have also cancelled a scheduled press conference in Stockholm on Tuesday evening and Old Trafford is closed to the public.

In a statement, the club said: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night, and the effect that this has had on everyone here at the club and within our city, we have decided to cancel this evening's pre-match press conference.

"We are sure that, in the circumstances, you will all understand our position on this matter."

An earlier statement said everyone at United was "deeply shocked by last night's terrible events" and the club's "thoughts and prayers" went out to everyone affected, including children from their Manchester United Foundation partner schools who were attending the concert.

UPDATE: 2.01pm

SECURITY measures at upcoming music events in Monmouthshire will be reviewed following the attacks in Manchester.

High-profile acts such as Little Mix, Feeder and Ocean Colour Scene are set to play at venues in Caldicot and Chepstow in July.

Dan Davies, who has responsibility for events in the county, said: "Safety of the public at our events is our priority and we have a number of security measures in place which we will continue to review.

"Our security supplier is a widely-experienced, SIA-approved contractor and operates in accordance with the required British Standards.

"Following last night’s devastating incident in Manchester we have arranged a meeting for our relevant colleagues and partners, including the police, to assess and review our current arrangements and to consider any amendments required."

He added: "We don't discuss specific security details as doing so is potentially detrimental to these measures, however we plan to use a number safeguarding procedures. Our event management plan is comprehensive."

Anyone with concerns regarding the Monmouthshire events is asked to get in touch by email at events@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

​UPDATE: 1.30pm

AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD girl was among the 22 people killed by a suicide bomber after an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

There were a total of twelve children under the age of 16 among the 59 casualties taken to hospital after the terror attack.

David Ratcliffe, medical director of the North West Ambulance Service, said 12 patients were taken by ambulance to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

In a statement read outside the Manchester Royal Infirmary, Jon Rouse, chief officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, expressed "deep condolences" to the victims and their families.

He said: "It's been a terrible night and morning in terms of Greater Manchester. Although we have also seen some of the best aspects of Greater Manchester and the people who live there as well."

​UPDATE: 12.56pm

LEADING psychiatrists have advised parents not to hide the news of the Manchester terror attack from their children.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists said it is best to be honest with youngsters about the incident.

Parents should take into consideration the "age and sensitivity" of their child and let them lead the conversation, the college also said.
Youngsters should also be assured of the rarity of such attacks.

Dr Bernadka Dubicka, chairwoman-elect of the child and adolescent psychiatry faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, added:
"We would not advise hiding your child from what may be on the news or social media. They will inevitably learn about it from their friends, so it's best to be honest with them about what has happened.

"Do not try to force conversations with your child about this, but be there for them should they wish to talk.

"Most children and young people will not show any long-term effects from these events. However, a small proportion, particularly those who have been more directly affected, may show symptoms of stress and trauma. For example, they may have problems sleeping, concentrating or may be more anxious.

"The Royal College of Psychiatrists offers information on our website for parents, carers and anyone who works with young people on dealing with traumatic stress. If parents are worried, they should contact their GP in the first instance."

Other helpful information on how to discuss terrorism with children who might have questions can be found at https://www.thetimes.co.uk/nspcc/index.html

​UPDATE: 12.53pm

THE Queen has offered her "deepest sympathy" to all those affected by the "dreadful" terrorist attack in Manchester, saying that the incident has "shocked" the nation.

She said in her message of support: "The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert.

"I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.

"I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care. And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity."

UPDATE: 12.48pm

The National Assembly for Wales will observe a moment’s silence during Plenary today for the victims of the Manchester terrorist attack.

The first minister Carwyn Jones has paid tribute saying "Wales stands in solidarity with the people of Manchester, and all those families who are suffering today". 

He said: "There is a particular cruelty at work in this act directed as it was towards teenagers coming out of a concert.  It is difficult to imagine an act more appalling and more senseless.

“I pay tribute to the police, the ambulance service, the NHS in Manchester and all those many others in the city who opened their doors and reached out the hand of help when help was needed. Already we have seen countless stories of bravery, generosity and solidarity which show beyond doubt that the people of Manchester, and this country, will not bow to terrorism. That hope, togetherness and unity will always beat hate, and those who seek to divide us."     

He added: “I received a National Security briefing from the Cabinet Office by phone this morning, and we will continue to monitor events as they develop.  The priorities at this stage must be to give families the support they need, and allow the police the time and space required to conduct their fast-moving investigations without distraction. 

“We must never get used to terrorism – at home, or abroad. We can never accept these attacks as a fact of life.  We should continue to call it what it is – alien, cruel and hateful.  The message from this Chamber is that we will not be cowed, we will not shrink into the shadows and we will not change our way of life.  That is the best tribute we can offer to the people of Manchester today.”

UPDATE: 10.07am

POLITICIANS and organisations in Wales have paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Twenty-two people have died and 59 are injured following the blast at the end of an Ariane Grande concert on Monday, May 22.

Party leaders have confirmed that campaigning for the general election will be suspended on Tuesday.

Grenville Ham, the leader of the Wales Green Party leader, has taken the decision with his campaign team to postpone the campaign launch.

He said: "In the light of the tragic events in Manchester our event is postponed and we will not be campaigning today.

“This transcends politics.

“My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims of the attack and the community in Manchester”. 

Newport City Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council have lowered their flags as a mark of respect to the victims of the Manchester attack.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, the parliamentary Labour candidate for Torfaen, said: "The news from Manchester is truly awful and terrible.

“It is devastating to read the eyewitness accounts and to think of all the innocent people, including many very young people, who were doing nothing more than attend a concert.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all those who have died and those who have been injured.

“Thank you to our incredible emergency services and all those who have been offering help and assistance.

“My campaign in Torfaen will be suspended as a mark of respect."

Torfaen County Borough Council and Monmouthshire County Council have also announced their condolences to the victims via Twitter.

Andrew RT Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “All of our thoughts and prayers go to everyone affected in this despicable and evil attack in Manchester. 

“Targeting a concert with so many children and families is the ultimate act of cowardice and as a country we will come together to show those who commit such atrocities will never, ever win.

 “Our appreciation goes to the emergency services who were first on the scene at this horrific incident – as ever, heroes of the hour.

 “All campaigning is suspended as our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected at this most horrendous time.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had spoken to the prime minister Theresa May and they had agreed that all national campaigning would be suspended until further notice.

Mrs May will be chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency committee Cobra to respond to the suspected Manchester terror attack.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called off an election visit to Gibraltar and the SNP postponed Tuesday's planned manifesto launch.

Jeff Farrar, the chief constable of Gwent Police added: “On behalf of Gwent Police, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost loved ones as a result of the terrible events at the Manchester Arena last night.

“I would also like to express my solidarity with emergency services across the region, who have shown such commitment and professionalism under the most difficult circumstances, and to all those members of the public who have provided assistance.

“The following emergency numbers have been established for anyone who is concerned for loved ones who may not have returned home: 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.

“In Gwent, we continue to work closely with our partners to protect and reassure our communities.

“It is important that we all continue to remain vigilant, but also to go about our daily lives.

“We would ask people to be alert and report any suspicious activity to police on 0800 789321 or by dialling 999.”

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THE leaders of the major political parties have confirmed that general election campaigning will be suspended after the suspected terrorist attack in Manchester.

Twenty-two people are dead and 59 are injured after a bomb tore through music fans leaving an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

Children and young people are feared to be among those killed and wounded in the blast, which police are treating as a "terrorist incident".

Police have not said what caused or who was behind the suspected atrocity, although unconfirmed reports have suggested it was carried out by a suspected suicide bomber.

Witnesses reported hearing a "huge bomb-like bang" at around 10.30pm on Monday, May 22, as fans were leaving the arena shortly after the show finished and described glass and metal nuts on the floor.

Meanwhile, health workers visiting Manchester have offered to pitch in to help care for those injured in the explosion.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had spoken to the prime minister Theresa May and they had agreed that all national campaigning would be suspended until further notice.

Mrs May will be chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency committee Cobra to respond to the suspected Manchester terror attack.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called off an election visit to Gibraltar and the SNP postponed Tuesday's planned manifesto launch.

Mr Corbyn said: "I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured.

"Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.

"I have spoken with Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, who has fully briefed me on the operational response in the city.

"I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with last night's appalling events.

"I have spoken with the Prime Minister and we have agreed that all national campaigning in the General Election will be suspended until further notice."

Mrs May said: "We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.

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

Home secretary Amber Rudd has condemned the "barbaric act" which saw a blast rip through a music venue in Manchester.

Miss Grande, the US singer who had finished performing just minutes before the blast, said she had been left "broken" by the events.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said they are treating the blast as a "terrorist incident until we have further information".