Manchester Arena Terror Attack - 22 innocent lives taken.

[andybigbro]

News sayin loud bang at Manchester arena during Ariana concert.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/manchester-arena-explosions-two-loud-10478734

[Greg!]

Omg my friend is there, he said there was a loud bang and a stampede to get out

[Alf]

Granada news saying, two loud bangs, debris falling. People running away with blood on them.

[andybigbro]

Police calling it a serious incident now :worry:

[UserSince2005]

**** Ariana better not be hurt!

[Alf]

Reports of a balloon popping and then a stampede.

[Babayaro.]

Apparently it was something to do with the speaker?? Not confirmed though

[smudgie]

The trains have been stopped due to a blockage.

[UserSince2005]

I heard it was very serious

[Denver]

If it was a terrorist attack it would be more then 2 loud bangs

[Denver]

People have died

[Denver]

A number of confirmed fatalities

[UserSince2005]

People have died

Who says

[Denver]

Who says

the police

[Denver]

watch sky news

[UserSince2005]

Oh no this sounds huge

[UserSince2005]

To just come straight out that people have died, means it's going to be a big number
Took ages for someone to be confirmed dead during the london attack the other month

[Alf]

Reports of multiple fatalities.

[Babayaro.]

866786909544230912

[T*]

A couple of my close friends were there and luckily they're safe but holy **** this is so close to home and I'm so glad they're okay
I can't actually believe this has happened

[MB.]

Awful

[Jordan.]

Arena security needs improving massively

[Denver]

Lets not rush into >Terrorist attack could be other things

[Marsh.]

But the poor kids and gays

:hehe:

[smudgie]

Witness reports seeing 20 or so bodies.

[Cherie]

Arena security needs improving massively

Surprised my boys went to wrestling at the O2 a few weeks back and security was tight

[smudgie]

Saying now that it was near the booking/ ticket office.
A witness said he was blown off his feet by the explosion and he saw many bodies around him.
Looks to be very serious.

[Greg!]

This is so shocking I cannot believe this has happened :(

[RichardG]

**** someone i work with is there :worry:

[Glenn.]

Surprised my boys went to wrestling at the O2 a few weeks back and security was tight

It's only tight as you're actually going into the arena. I thought this when I see Bieber in October. Plenty of opportunity for a nutcase to blow themselves up outside.

[Denver]

If it is a terrorist attack i am surprised they chose this moment

[jaxie]

Sounds dreadful, still unclear what the cause is.

[T*]

I've read that they weren't doing proper bag checks but this might be twitter being twitter

[Cherie]

It's only tight as you're actually going into the arena. I thought this when I see Bieber in October. Plenty of opportunity for a nutcase to blow themselves up outside.

True, outside you can't police that, I assumed this was inside the venue looks like it happened as people were leaving, might be another cause though, it's not necessarily terrorism

[Rob!]

If it was a terrorist attack, surely with a reported 21,000 people in the arena (is this realistic? I've never been) they would have done it inside the performance area as opposed to the box office?

[Denver]

I've read that they weren't doing proper bag checks but this might be twitter being twitter

Disgusting they should be checking it in this day and age

[Rob!]

It's only tight as you're actually going into the arena. I thought this when I see Bieber in October. Plenty of opportunity for a nutcase to blow themselves up outside.

Ah

[Glenn.]

Most arenas do have metal detectors as you go into the arena. I know the O2 Arena does, but like I say it's only as you go into the actual arena.

[Ninastar]

I know a few people who were there and they've all said it was the scariest thing to ever happen to them... people covered in blood, stampedes and ****... can't even imagine

[Glenn.]

So many people on Twitter offering to take people in.

[Rob!]

Seeing a few reports on Facebook from people who knew people there saying it was equipment blowing up rather than a bomb?

[Glenn.]

Sky news just said could be a gas explosion

[Rob!]

I mean is it right to hope it was a gas explosion or something? I don't even know.

[Will.]

Reports saying 20 dead. :(

[Glenn.]

I mean is it right to hope it was a gas explosion or something? I don't even know.

I know what you mean.

[Rob!]

Jesus :(

[Denver]

I mean is it right to hope it was a gas explosion or something? I don't even know.

If it was me i would rather a loved one die of a tragic accident rather then a terror attack

[UserSince2005]

Sky news just said could be a gas explosion

How coincidental that it would happen just as the concert ended and people were leaving

[Glenn.]

How coincidental that it would happen just as the concert ended and people were leaving

It may be. After all, accidents happen at any time.

[Rob!]

It may be. After all, accidents happen at any time.

Exactly. It's just mixed in with current world events, that fact is very easy to forget.

[Denver]

Just feel for the families and the fact some probaly wont know till tomorrow

[Glenn.]

It's not been confirmed as terrorism but everyone's tweeting like it is

[Denver]

It is a 1st thought though especially what happened in France over the last few years

[Owen19]

This is horrific and incredibly scary. My thoughts are with all affected:(

[Scarlett.]

It's best to wait until GMP release another statement. I wouldn't listen to any reports on Twitter just yet, some people (for some ****ed up reason) will try and take advantage of this to get followers.

[*mazedsalv**]

Horrific.

I know a couple of people who live across from the MEN and are reporting on social media what they can see from the window. Sounds terrible :(

[Alf]

Mark White, Sky's Home Affairs Correspondent, says "the protocols that are being enacted are the protocols for a terrorist incident".

[Glenn.]

So terroism then...

[Alf]

I've deleted the last report, I don't trust the source

[Denver]

3 people are named on twitter that are at the concert but nobody heard from them they are so young

[Amy Jade]

My friend Jess was there with her cousin thankfully shes fine I was terrified when I read on twitter im still shaking

[Denver]

Holiday INN have took in over 50 people

[arista]

evil terrorists

http://e3.365dm.com/17/05/1096x616/6ed42d0f16455af567b17b537290a7a5ceffcd5d7aebbe56fd 1385f843e558ee_3960450.jpg?20170522233346


http://news.sky.com/story/confirmed-fatalities-in-manchester-arena-explosion-10889460

[smudgie]

3 people are named on twitter that are at the concert but nobody heard from them they are so young

Lots of youngsters have been taken to the Holiday Inn to be kept safe until they can be reunited with parents.
I can't imagine the feelings people are going through not knowing if friends and loved ones are safe.

[Rob!]

evil terrorists

This isn't confirmed yet, don't fill your border moats just yet.

[Denver]

Taxi drivers are offering free lifts to those who cant get home.

Make me proud that people of Britian muck in and help when something serious happens

[Glenn.]

Lot of help being offered on Twitter. Humanity at its finest

[Amy Jade]

Lots of people on twitter offering for people to stay in their flats/homes too xx

[Scarlett.]

Taxi drivers are offering free lifts to those who cant get home.

Make me proud that people of Britian muck in and help when something serious happens

Manchester really seem to be rallying around everyone affected, it's nice to see that people still have good hearts in this day and age.

[Babayaro.]

Seeing a few tweets saying that Oldham Hospital is under lockdown after a gunman opened fire. Probably nonsense though.

[smudgie]

Police now saying they are treating it as a possible terrorist incident.

[Amy Jade]

Twitter is saying someone has been arrested outside the arena

[AnnieK]

Jesus....just woke up to a text about this....The arena is a nightmare to get in and out of.....Steep Steps with no hand rails if people have panicked there could be a lot of casualties just trying to get out

[arista]

This isn't confirmed yet, don't fill your border moats just yet.


Possible Nail Bombs


LBC Live

[Scarlett.]

Jesus....just woke up to a text about this....The arena is a nightmare to get in and out of.....Steep Steps with no hand rails if people have panicked there could be a lot of casualties just trying to get out

That's what the latest eyewitness report on BBC News live updates is saying.

[Amy Jade]

Lots on twitter saying gun man at the hospital now I am so scared wtf

[Loukas]

Taxi drivers are offering free lifts to those who cant get home.

Make me proud that people of Britian muck in and help when something serious happens

Manchester really seem to be rallying around everyone affected, it's nice to see that people still have good hearts in this day and age.

People helping people in a strong Labour constituency. Makes me proud to British too.

[AnnieK]

People helping people in a strong Labour constituency. Makes me proud to British too.

Politics means **** all right now. ....its humanity helping not what party any one supports ffs

[Denver]

People helping people in a strong Labour constituency. Makes me proud to British too.

Can we not turn this into a my political party is better then yours argument please

[Denver]

19 people confirmed dead by the police

[T*]

Politics means **** all right now. ....its humanity helping not what party any one supports ffs

:clap1: :clap1:

[arista]

19 Dead

[RichardG]

People helping people in a strong Labour constituency. Makes me proud to British too.

how is the politics of the constituency relevant?

[jaxie]

Politics means **** all right now. ....its humanity helping not what party any one supports ffs

Yeah exactly what I thought when I read that. Well said Annie.

[arista]

19 people confirmed dead by the police


Large Number

[Will.]

It's being treated as terroist.

50 injured, 19 dead. :(

Source: Sky News

[jaxie]

19 people confirmed dead by the police

Oh wow all the poor families.

[smudgie]

50 injured and 19 dead.
All those youngsters out enjoying themselves.
Tragic.

[Amy Jade]

It's so sad seeing people tweeting for their family and friends on twitter begging them to get in contact :(

[Babayaro.]

The death toll is going to rise by a lot, I reckon :(

[smudgie]

The death toll is going to rise by a lot, I reckon :(

I think you could be right.
Absolutely awful.

[Ross.]

So tragic :(

[Will.]

This is so sad, those poor people who just went to a harmless concert. :(

[Amy Jade]

Is the best place to go the holiday inn?

[Scarlett.]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAeFyy9XcAE1P60.jpg

[AnnieK]

Is the best place to go the holiday inn?

According to my FB feed it is

[Denver]

Is the best place to go the holiday inn?

they are taking everyone in

[Owen19]

Those poor poor people and their families. A night for people to enjoy themselves becoming complete chaos.

[jaxie]

I just read a report that someone who had a relative there said that security challenged a man who was trying to enter and he blew himself up.

[Scarlett.]

I just read a report that someone who had a relative there said that security challenged a man who was trying to enter and he blew himself up.

Best not to trust reports like that, wait and see what the official line is.

[arista]

Bomb in the Foyer, outside ticket area
reports say


Easy Targets

[Scarlett.]

"BBC reporter Tim Ashburn told BBC 5 live he has been told by police that they have found a second suspect device and want to carry out a controlled explosion. "

From the BBC Live Updates

[Glenn.]

It was a nail bomb apparently. From Twitter... so not confirmed

[Scarlett.]

It was a nail bomb apparently. From Twitter... so not confirmed

"BBC reporter Tim Ashburn, who is at the scene, spoke to some volunteer paramedics who treated the injured for "shrapnel-like injuries". "

From BBC News Updates

[Amy Jade]

Just spoke to my friend she and her cousin are waiting to be picked up, her cousin is only 14 they didn't see anything at all but she just told me they were 100% doing bag searches. She had gers checked

[AnnieK]

Lots of local pubs now offering people rooms and a safe.place to wait....

[AnnieK]

Just spoke to my friend she and her cousin are waiting to be picked up, her cousin is only 14 they didn't see anything at all but she just told me they were 100% doing bag searches. She had gers checked

Glad your friend is ok Amy :love:

[Will.]

There is going to be a controlled explosion after another device has been found, set to happen imminently.

[smudgie]

Wow, controlled explosion just gone off.

[Denver]

A top American Journalist has made sick jokes about it

[arista]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/22/23/40AE2C1600000578-4531940-Concert_goers_helped_injured_people_make_their_way _from_the_gig_-a-50_1495492948328.jpg

[smudgie]

A top American Journalist has made sick jokes about it

Sack the bstd.:fist:

[Scarlett.]

A top American Journalist has made sick jokes about it

A soon to be ex American journalist


Controlled explosion just went off live on BBC News

[Denver]

866813172153409536

Hope he never works again

[arista]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/22/23/40AE2C7E00000578-4531940-Bloodied_concertgoers_were_pictured_being_helped_b y_armed_police-a-48_1495492948302.jpg

[Scarlett.]

Please dont post pictures of the victims arista

[Denver]

An alleged video of extremist confirming its them is on twitter

[arista]

Please dont post pictures of the victims arista


They are Alive

[Alf]

An alleged video of extremist confirming its them is on twitterYes, there is a video of that.

[Scarlett.]

They are Alive

Yes, but they've just been through hell, its not fair on them to post pictures of them injured and bruised

[Amy Jade]

Glad your friend is ok Amy :love:

Thanks, same here so relieved. I feel terrible for those still worried about their friends and family :(

[Alf]

Farage is on Tucker Carlson now

[T*]

Yes, but they've just been through hell, its not fair on them to post pictures of them injured and bruised
I wouldn't say he's doing much more damage than the newspapers originally posting them for the masses

[Will.]

Thank god your friend is safe Amy. x

[Amy Jade]

I can only imagine how scared people were, getting out of concerts is quite a scary prospect anyway.

[Scarlett.]

Controlled detonation was just clothes, not a bomb

[Denver]

Controlled detonation was just clothes, not a bomb

Better to be safe then sorry

[Amy Jade]

Thank god your friend is safe Amy. x

I know, I felt sick when my friend messaged me saying what had happened. She had tried calling her and she hadn't picked up. She messaged me straight back when I whatsapped her thank god

[Greg!]

Evil evil evil. Whoever has done this has deliberately targeted kids and teenagers. Absolute subhuman scum

[Greg!]

I cannot get my head around the fact that this has happened

[Scarlett.]

I wouldn't say he's doing much more damage than the newspapers originally posting them for the masses

True, newspapers should not be taking pictures of the victims, just letting arista know not to spread these pictures, the police have also made a request for people not to post pictures of people injured.

[Will.]

I know, I felt sick when my friend messaged me saying what had happened. She had tried calling her and she hadn't picked up. She messaged me straight back when I whatsapped her thank god

Yeah I can't imagine what you must have felt, glad you were able to communicate with her! Such a sad thing that has happened. :(

Has she found accommodation near by or did she live close to the arena?

[Scarlett.]

Better to be safe then sorry

Definitely.

[Alf]

Could be just a coincidence, but it happened on the anniversary of the murder of Lee Rigby.

[Denver]

866817708641337344

How sick to use this as something to banter with a friend

[Amy Jade]

Yeah I can't imagine what you must have felt, glad you were able to communicate with her! Such a sad thing that has happened. :(

I felt bad for her mum, she will have been on her way to pick them up and heard it on the radio I imagine.

This is just terrible and so sad to target kids and young adults.

[Will.]

I felt bad for her mum, she will have been on her way to pick them up and heard it on the radio I imagine.

This is just terrible and so sad to target kids and young adults.

Oh god that would have been awful for the mother.

It is, can't believe someone so sick and horrible would do something like this. :(

[Amy Jade]

Has she found accommodation near by or did she live close to the arena?
Her mum was going to pick them up, they are both fine just waiting for her mum

[Will.]

Her mum was going to pick them up, they are both fine just waiting for her mum

That's good to know, the children in accommodation must just want to be with their family.

[Denver]

We are on Severe level terrorist threat

[reece(:]

Shouldn't the security be doing thorough bag searches to evade this sort of incident?

Hopefully this is a eye opener for a crackdown on security because this is among the worst places for terrorists to target, especially considering the attraction of youths to concerts.

[Denver]

Shouldn't the security be doing thorough bag searches to evade this sort of incident?

Hopefully this is a eye opener for a crackdown on security because this is among the worst places for terrorists to target, especially considering the attraction of youths to concerts.

Apparently i was someone they stopped going in

[reece(:]

#RoomForManchester appears to have emerged on social media as the hashtag people are rallying around. It is an offer of spaces to stay the night for those who were at the concert who can’t easily get home.

Transport away from the area will be difficult, because Manchester Arena is right next to Manchester Victoria station, which, due to ongoing emergency service activity, has been closed.

.

[Denver]

An twitter account (which has since been suspended) made by someone claiming to be of ISIS has said there are more attacks imminent on Britian

[Denver]

866822650211041281

[Amy Jade]

Shouldn't the security be doing thorough bag searches to evade this sort of incident?

Hopefully this is a eye opener for a crackdown on security because this is among the worst places for terrorists to target, especially considering the attraction of youths to concerts.

They were doing bag searches.

Everytime I have been to the MEN Arena they have aswell. Don't really think security is to blame.

[reece(:]

Ariana "in hysterics"

http://www.tmz.com/2017/05/22/ariana-grande-bombing-hysterical-concert-cancelled-london/

[reece(:]

Theresa May statement

The prime minister has responded with a statement:

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..

[reece(:]

y60wDzZt8yg

[reece(:]

866830493693743104

:umm2:

[reece(:]

Frightening :(

866833256674729984

[_Tom_]

Frightening :(

866833256674729984

That gave me shivers :worry:

[Jack_]

This is so sad.

With regards to bag checks, I've always thought they've been lax at any arena I've been to. Just a quick peek and that's it. I realise this is probably an peculiar position for me to take, but I think they should be a lot more thorough, and nobody should be able to enter an arena foyer without going through security screening first. I always find myself thinking 'is that it?', and in all honesty I don't mind waiting a little longer if it reduces the likelihood of stuff like this happening.

You get searched more at a festival than you do at an arena.

[Smithy]

They were doing bag searches.

Everytime I have been to the MEN Arena they have aswell. Don't really think security is to blame.

It was in the foyer before you get into the arena, so they didn't even know probably

[Jordan.]

This is so sad.

With regards to bag checks, I've always thought they've been lax at any arena I've been to. Just a quick peek and that's it. I realise this is probably an peculiar position for me to take, but I think they should be a lot more thorough, and nobody should be able to enter an arena foyer without going through security screening first. I always find myself thinking 'is that it?', and in all honesty I don't mind waiting a little longer if it reduces the likelihood of stuff like this happening.

You get searched more at a festival than you do at an arena.

Agree with this, when I went to the arena I remember being surprised at how easy it was to walk through the train station and end up right outside the arena doors, it's very accessible to the public (it's also the same entrance/exit the attack took place I believe)

[Jordan.]

866849021519966208

[Wizard.]

So I live across the road from the arena. At the time of explosion I heard a noise and my back went up, something was seriously wrong. My partner said reports are that it was a blown speaker but I couldn't believe that as speakers never blow and this gave me a strange feeling. Helicoptors have been circulating the area all night I haven't slept in just so upset and shocked by this whole thing. Poor children and people who were meant to have a great time will never return home.

[Wizard.]

I think of the woman with kids who asked me for directions to the concert

[Wizard.]

This is from an Ariana stalker it's so creepy

866855351152394241

[y.winter]

Terrible. Just terrible.

[Shaun]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAd4YPQXgAAyKaB.jpg

utter prick

Edit: he's claimed his account was hacked but...yeah ok then :rolleyes:

[Cherie]

Attacking kids, just awful

[Cherie]

This is so sad.

With regards to bag checks, I've always thought they've been lax at any arena I've been to. Just a quick peek and that's it. I realise this is probably an peculiar position for me to take, but I think they should be a lot more thorough, and nobody should be able to enter an arena foyer without going through security screening first. I always find myself thinking 'is that it?', and in all honesty I don't mind waiting a little longer if it reduces the likelihood of stuff like this happening.

You get searched more at a festival than you do at an arena.

All the bag searches in the world won't stop a suicide bomber blowing themselves up as people exit a venue sadly

[Shaun]

Death toll is now 22 :(

Children confirmed among the deceased

[AnnieK]

Awful...my FB feed is just filled with people saying they have not heard from loved ones. Can't imagine what they are going through right now.

[Daniel-X]

Woke up to seeing all the footage of the news on my friends stories :(

This has really terrified me because of one how close it is to me, and two because they clearly targeted children and teens :sad:

[Strictly Jake]

I can t stop crying my cousin and children were at th concert they are all home safe but it makes me feel sick that something could have happened and I'm so upset that of course something has happened to others family members I can't believe people still do things like this I'm angry I'm upset and devastated it's happened so close to my hometown. In absolute bits

[Shaun]

I know it's not right to focus on one specific victim or add to any confusion but there's a guy I've followed on Twitter who I always found funny (I don't know him personally but that's how Twitter works, I guess) that's among the missing and it's genuinely terrifying.

Jake :hug: I'm so glad your family are safe though.

[Brillopad]

There is no doubt that if we hadn't allowed so many into our country over the years many people would still be alive today. Unfortunately it will only get worse.

People act so shocked, it's terrible, but what do they expect. These kind of attacks are going to become a normal part of British life. It isn't going to stop.

[Strictly Jake]

Death toll is now 22 :(

Children confirmed among the deceased

This is what hurts me the most

[Strictly Jake]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAd4YPQXgAAyKaB.jpg

utter prick

Literally how can he be so heartless people have lost their family and Ariana must be in absolute shock and upset its not her fault obviously but you would feel guilty

[lewis111]

I honestly can't comprehend this, why anyone would feel the need to do this
It's so devastating

This attack more so than some other feels more real in a way if that makes any sense? Because so many of us or our friends and family go to these types of concerts all the time and I do often consider the lack of security
But none of us could ever imagined tbis sort of thing happening or not having a family member or friend return home

[Shaun]

I2xoCFGTi6w

not a big Corden fan but he's great with words.

[AnnieK]

Manchester has really pulled together in this....we have been through bombings before with the IRA and people really do band together and put aside all differences to help. I have always been proud to be from Manchester but at times like this I am even more so

[Dominic]

This is horible </3 My prayers go out to the families of the victims and I hope the injured are safe.

[Scarlett.]

It's sad seeing that people are still missing, their twitter accounts gone silent since last night, knowing what could have happened. It's just all so ****ed up.

[Beso]

Lots of people saying they woke up to this...somehow i doubt that.. but it is time to.

[Nicky91]

:bawling: :bawling:

i feel so sad right now

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

this is just devastating </3

i know this sort of thing happens all the time now but it's still difficult to comprehend that a person can be so full of hatred to want to do something like this

[andybigbro]

:sad:

So horrible, I am lost for words. :(

[Nicky91]

i hope there were no people from TiBB among the victims :worry:

[UserSince2005]

BBC are reporting that Ariana saved lives by extending her show, so fewer people were in the foyer than should have been.

what an angel.

[Nicky91]

BBC are reporting that Ariana saved lives by extending her show, so fewer people were in the foyer than should have been.

what an angel.

god bless her so much :hee:

[Vanessa]

BBC are reporting that Ariana saved lives by extending her show, so fewer people were in the foyer than should have been.

what an angel.

OMG D:

[Vanessa]

I'm going to a concert tonight and I can't help feeling Scared :worry:

[Amy Jade]

BBC are reporting that Ariana saved lives by extending her show, so fewer people were in the foyer than should have been.

what an angel.

Yeah, from what I can gather on twitter Ari extending and security stopped a lot of carnage. It sounds terrible to say but I think this could have been much worse than it already is.

Still, any loss is heart wrenchingly sad :(

[Nicky91]

I'm going to a concert tonight and I can't help feeling Scared :worry:

Nessa, try to not feel scared, that's only what these disgusting idiots want :(

[Vanessa]

Nessa, try to not feel scared, that's only what these disgusting idiots want :(

I will try. :(

[Cherie]

I'm going to a concert tonight and I can't help feeling Scared :worry:

Tonights the night to go Ness, security will be 10/10, next week it will be back to normal levels

[Scarlett.]

DxPffc693Z0

[Vanessa]

Tonights the night to go Ness, security will be 10/10, next week it will be back to normal levels

It worries me that so many attacks are happening in Europe. Nowhere is safe. :bawling:

[Beso]

Lots of reports of peoples bags not being checked.

[Braden]

This is terrible, and it scares me that so many members on here know people who were at the concert. This kind of thing seems unbelieveable until you're actually in the situation, and those people seemed terrified :(

[Gusto Brunt]

When you look at the innocent young people who are missing and dead, it's cuts you up with anger.

[Vanessa]

Lots of reports of peoples bags not being checked.

Security is a joke at gigs. They need to check the bags better. Why would you need a rucksack on a concert anyway?

[Kazanne]

There is no doubt that if we hadn't allowed so many into our country over the years many people would still be alive today. Unfortunately it will only get worse.

People act so shocked, it's terrible, but what do they expect. These kind of attacks are going to become a normal part of British life. It isn't going to stop.

It was only a matter of time wasn't it ? we do need to stop pussyfooting around people like this who have no regards for human life, until then more atrocities like this will happen all the time.

[Amy Jade]

Why are people using this to push the 'them and us' debate. It hasn't even been confirmed what nationality/religion the bomber was.

[Niamh.]

Why are people using this to push the 'them and us' debate. It hasn't even been confirmed what nationality/religion the bomber was.

Yeah, that's exactly what "they" want too

RIP to all that lost their lives, so sad, I can imagine it was mostly young teenagers there too, awful

[Withano]

This is completely awful, I've been watching the news, twitter and this thread since it began and I've struggled to put words together. I knew two people there, and they're both safe, but that's not really the point. The point it, they may not have been because there was a **** who watched a d.i.y video. I'm completely distraught, it doesn't make sense.

Also, Amy Jade, you are quite right. anybody using this as an opportunity to further their political values are completely tasteless, and they need to deeply evaluate their priorities - even May and Corbyn has collectively decided not to campaign whilst this is ongoing.

[Cherie]

Security is a joke at gigs. They need to check the bags better. Why would you need a rucksack on a concert anyway?

apparently it was a suicide bomber, what good would checking bags do in that instance? you can't secure every public entrance/foyer, it's impossible.

[Beso]

apparently it was a suicide bomber, what good would checking bags do in that instance? you can't secure every public entrance/foyer, it's impossible.

No cherie it is easily possible.

[joeysteele]

Horrific, awful more senseless loss of life has resulted.

Imagining the pain,stress and trauma of relatives who haven't heard from family at the arena is beyond measure.

Absolutely awful.
It is for sure a crazy and dangerous World,.

[Niamh.]

No cherie it is easily possible.

Yeah checking bags and maybe patting people down as they come through security

[Withano]

No cherie it is easily possible.

where would it stop? Shopping malls? Cinemas? You can't check every persons bag every time they enter any building.. Can you? Idk maybe

[AnnieK]

Am so proud of the people of Manchester today - people are taking time out to go and donate blood, people offering to help with the clean up, offering lifts etc. Heartbreaking that people are still waiting for news of loved ones. Cannot begin to imagine what they are going through. Everyone I've spoken to this morning at work on the phone knows os someone who was there. Please don't give the bastards who did this any thought - think of the families affected, they're the important ones now.

[Niamh.]

where would it stop? Shopping malls? Cinemas? You can't check every persons bag every time they enter any building.. Can you? Idk maybe

They usually do do that at concerts though :shrug:

[AnnieK]

They usually do do that at concerts though :shrug:

I have read they did do bag searches on entry. The problem was this was in the foyer at the end of the concert when the doors had all been opened to let people out and security is not as on it then. There have been reports in the past of homeless people sneaking in the arena to sleep at the end of concerts as most of the traffic is going the other way.

[Strictly Jake]

I'm still in absolute shock I know the arena so well I even did a bit of security training their myself a few years back and they are a hardworking team so please don't blame them completely

As i said before my cousin and children made it home safe she had the sense to run in the opposite direction to everyone else as she thought there could be another explosion

We see this on the news quite often but this has hit me the hardest I think because it's so close to me

Also the fact that young ones were targeted its made me physically sick a couple of times now just thinking about how scared they must have been especially if they got separated from their parents

[Cherie]

No cherie it is easily possible.

Yeah checking bags and maybe patting people down as they come through security

They usually do do that at concerts though :shrug:



How would you do that in the foyer? if you are going through the barriers to get into the venue yes, but parents dropping off/waiting for their kids, the 02 has restaurants/cinemas/bars, how are you going to stop someone walking in and blowing themselves up? or waiting around outside for the crowd to exit? just stand near the tube station and blow yourself up...mayhem, its is impossible to stop lets not kid ourselves here that searching some 15 years old bag going into a concert is going to make a difference.

[Niamh.]

I have read they did do bag searches on entry. The problem was this was in the foyer at the end of the concert when the doors had all been opened to let people out and security is not as on it then. There have been reports in the past of homeless people sneaking in the arena to sleep at the end of concerts as most of the traffic is going the other way.

ah ok, I'm not familiar with that venue but that makes more sense, of course they would be more lax when people are leaving and the concert is finished.

I had forgotten you were from Manchester Annie, I hope all your friends and family are safe :hug:

[Strictly Jake]

Poor Ariana has took it so hard though she wants to give up her career as she feels at fault and that's really sad

The fact she extended her show to stop their being more casualties and her mum helped pull people from the front row to the back of the stage they did all they could

[Niamh.]

How would you do that in the foyer? if you are going through the barriers to get into the venue yes, but parents dropping off/waiting for their kids, the 02 has restaurants/cinemas/bars, how are you going to stop someone walking in and blowing themselves up? or waiting around outside for the crowd to exit? just stand near the tube station and blow yourself up...mayhem, its is impossible to stop lets not kid ourselves here that searching some 15 years old bag going into a concert is going to make a difference.

I don't know, like I said I'm not familiar with that venue but most of the concerts I've been to you can't even get into the Foyer or any part of the building without a ticket/going through security but yeah someone could be just by the door when people are exiting too, you're right

[y.winter]

I can say from my country's experience. Checking bags in Israel is being done in malls, cinemas, arenas, train stations, etc... It is effective, there's no doubt about it. It doesn't stop terror attacks hermetically, nothing can, but it reduces the amount dramatically. It saves lives.

[andybigbro]

where would it stop? Shopping malls? Cinemas? You can't check every persons bag every time they enter any building.. Can you? Idk maybe

I've just come back from Paris and we got bag searched every shop/restaurant/attraction we went in.

It's needed in this day and age.

[Denver]

I heard that people as young as 7 died but not sure if its true

[Niamh.]

I can say from my country's experience. Checking bags in Israel is being done in malls, cinemas, arenas, train stations, etc... It is effective, there's no doubt about it. It doesn't stop terror attacks hermetically, nothing can, but it reduces the amount dramatically. It saves lives.

Yeah I mean nothing is fool proof but it would surely help

[andybigbro]

I heard that people as young as 7 died but not sure if its true

So horrific :(

[Denver]

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4532980/Jason-Manford-breaks-Facebook-Live-message.html?ito=social-facebook

Jason Manford in tears over attack

[Cherie]

I don't know, like I said I'm not familiar with that venue but most of the concerts I've been to you can't even get into the Foyer or any part of the building without a ticket/going through security but yeah someone could be just by the door when people are exiting too, you're right

From what limited information we have the guy blew himself up near the ticket office so he got people as they came out or families waiting, at these kind of concerts the entrance are usually packed with people waiting for their family members to take them home, he picked his target venue well in that respect

[Niamh.]

From what limited information we have the guy blew himself up near the ticket office so he got people as they came out or families waiting, at these kind of concerts the entrance are usually packed with people waiting for their family members to take them home, he picked his target venue well in that respect

Ugh it's just horrific, I mean any attack like this is but it seems worse when it's somewhere that's going to be filled with children/young teenagers

[Denver]

www.ladbible.com/news/uk-first-victim-of-manchester-attacks-named-as-georgina-callander-20170523?c=

1st named victim is a 16 year old girl

[Northern Monkey]

Shocking.Specially that it's so close to home.Makes it feel more real.

[Denver]

Theresa May has confirmed many of the injured are suffering life threatening injuries

[Northern Monkey]

I've just come back from Paris and we got bag searched every shop/restaurant/attraction we went in.

It's needed in this day and age.Unfortunatley you're right.It is.

[Denver]

They are desperately looking for type O blood donors so if you know anyone close to Manchester who is type O urge them to donate

[y.winter]

My heart breaks, reading more and more testimonies. Now the victims start to get names and faces and it makes it even more unbearable.

[Denver]

866952722817454080

A mom can not get in touch with her daughter i cant imagine what is going through her mind right now :love:

[Cherie]

I can say from my country's experience. Checking bags in Israel is being done in malls, cinemas, arenas, train stations, etc... It is effective, there's no doubt about it. It doesn't stop terror attacks hermetically, nothing can, but it reduces the amount dramatically. It saves lives.

I literally don't know how you could have a bag search at rush hour in any London train station it would be literally impossible with the numbers of people who pass through on their way to work. Malls, cinemas yes, maybe even airports but that would put at least another hour onto peoples journey, but train/tube stations not a hope.

[James]

they are desperately looking for type o blood donors so if you know anyone close to manchester who is type o urge them to donate

866957256092520449

[AnnieK]

More panic in Manchester at the moment - armed police have just moved crowds away from the Arndale Shopping centre and set up a new cordon. Hope its just a precaution. Am due in the city centre this afternoon for a course

https://www.facebook.com/granadareports/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED

[Scarlett.]

BBC News reporting Arndale Center is being evacuated, it's being described as an urgent evacuation.

[Kazanne]

I heard that people as young as 7 died but not sure if its true

Aw Adam it's terrible,all so young.

[Denver]

Shots were apparently heard in the Arndale centre 1 man arrested

[Northern Monkey]

More panic in Manchester at the moment - armed police have just moved crowds away from the Arndale Shopping centre and set up a new cordon. Hope its just a precaution. Am due in the city centre this afternoon for a course

https://www.facebook.com/granadareports/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED
Oh god.Hope it's just precautionary.

[Jack_]

All the bag searches in the world won't stop a suicide bomber blowing themselves up as people exit a venue sadly

No, but outside a venue is (for want of a better word) better than inside a foyer. I realise the logistics of implementing stricter security checks isn't easy for a large capacity venue, but they can certainly make changes in some places. When I went to NYC and DC last year there was airport style screening in all of the main tourist attractions and security by exit doors so you couldn't get in if you weren't coming out. Understandable given the events sixteen years ago and the cities are of course not comparable to Manchester, but there's definitely changes that can be made.

There is no doubt that if we hadn't allowed so many into our country over the years many people would still be alive today. Unfortunately it will only get worse.

People act so shocked, it's terrible, but what do they expect. These kind of attacks are going to become a normal part of British life. It isn't going to stop.

How do you know that? Has the identity of the attacker been revealed? The Westminster one was British born. More often than not these incidents have nothing to do with immigration or refugees, they're the radicalisation of people already living here. It's far too early to be speculating on stuff like this, not to mention inappropriate.

But seeing as you're going to make this political, do not doubt for any second that Lynton Crosby is rubbing his hands this morning. This will be the new attack line within a week, don't think that they won't sink that low, because they absolutely will. Mark my words.

[Scarlett.]

Oh god.Hope it's just precautionary.

Sounds like someone has been arrested, possible shots fired. Unconfirmed though.

[Denver]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAgUl2qXgAAJCpp.jpg

[Wizard.]

Georgina who died last night tweeted this last year. Chilling.

759849942957436929

[Wizard.]

Also I took my dog for a walk and the helicopters had gone and now they're back out just as the Arndale is evacuated

[Niamh.]

Georgina who died last night tweeted this last year. Chilling.

759849942957436929

ffs people are actually going through victims old tweets to find something morbid to post?

[Scarlett.]

Arndale apparently reopening according to Reuters

[Shaun]

The Arndale incident doesn't sound too worrying, thankfully:

866958258715713536

Obviously just an understandable reaction to something that could've been more serious.

[Scarlett.]

23 year old man arrested in connection with the attack last night according to MEN

[Denver]

23 year old man arrested in connection with the attack last night according to MEN

He will get minimal punishment for the damage that was caused

[Northern Monkey]

Ex head of counter terrorism saying this could be on going.He'd "be very surprised if there was only one belt"

[Scarlett.]

Apparently the man arrested in Arndale wasn't the man who was arrested in connection
https://twitter.com/gmpolice/status/866970615961530368

[Cherie]

ffs people are actually going through victims old tweets to find something morbid to post?

I can't cope with how awful this kind of this is

[Babayaro.]

ffs people are actually going through victims old tweets to find something morbid to post?

Terrible isn't it. Not amusing at all.

[Cherie]

No, but outside a venue is (for want of a better word) better than inside a foyer. I realise the logistics of implementing stricter security checks isn't easy for a large capacity venue, but they can certainly make changes in some places. When I went to NYC and DC last year there was airport style screening in all of the main tourist attractions and security by exit doors so you couldn't get in if you weren't coming out. Understandable given the events sixteen years ago and the cities are of course not comparable to Manchester, but there's definitely changes that can be made.



How do you know that? Has the identity of the attacker been revealed? The Westminster one was British born. More often than not these incidents have nothing to do with immigration or refugees, they're the radicalisation of people already living here. It's far too early to be speculating on stuff like this, not to mention inappropriate.

But seeing as you're going to make this political, do not doubt for any second that Lynton Crosby is rubbing his hands this morning. This will be the new attack line within a week, don't think that they won't sink that low, because they absolutely will. Mark my words.

yet you could be blown up or run down in Times square, you cover one base many more open up, when people are willing to blow themselves its very difficult to cover all possibilities. I agree though we are very lax here, surprised it has taken this long for something to happen in all honesty, the other thing I would say is I think people always focussed on London, when in effect it could happen anywhere.

[Shaun]

I guess there's a morbid irony in finding stuff like that, or that other Ariana stalker bloke that Riley posted a few pages ago who said he was going to "be there" or whatever last night, but yeah there's a sad voyeurism about going through the Twitters and Facebooks of people who die in such circumstances.

Not judging though because it's something I've looked at before and admittedly find "a sad coincidence", but keeping those thoughts private and not RTing them and using them for a bit of attention on social media is preferable. I'd dread to think what would be dug up if something ever happened to me, and being reduced to some odd little turn of phrase months/years ago is a bit disrespectful.

Of course it's just the tip of the iceberg; there's far more revolting things going on on social media regarding last night, and there has been for years. I remember finding a website once that just shares Facebook pages of people who've passed away? Bizarre.