22 people, including a number of children, have been confirmed dead following a suspected suicide bombing in Manchester.
59 people were also injured in the blast which happened outside Manchester Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, just after half past ten.
More than 400 police officers are working on the case and people in Manchester have been told they can expect to see armed police in the city.
Prime Minister Theresa May will chair an emergency Cobra meeting in Downing Street this morning, and political parties have suspended general election campaigns because of the attack.
Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police – Ian Hopkins – has given this update just before 8AM.
This was the moment when the explosion was heard inside the arena.
It happened at the end of the concert, as people were filing out:
These women have described scenes of panic as people tried to get out:
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has issued a statement saying the ‘vile acts’ in Manchester are ‘a reminder of the depravity of the views held by the few’ and he says ‘Those beliefs have no place in our society’.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan says there are no reports of any Irish citizens having been caught up in the attack, but anyone with concerns for family or friends can call his Department on 01 408 2000
Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty says the news is particularly shocking because it’s so close to home.
