An explosion an Ariana Grande show in Manchester, U.K., has resulted in 22 fatalities and 75 injuries,and a 22-year-old man has been identified as the bomber, according to reports. Grande herself was unharmed, according to a rep at Republic, but at least one large explosion at Manchester Arena (after Grande's show was over) led to crowds rushing to the exits and police speeding to the scene.
The Islamic State took credit for the bombing, stating on the social messaging app Telegram, “One of the soldiers of the Caliphate was able to place an explosive device within a gathering of the Crusaders in the city of Manchester.”
Police have identified Salman Abedi, 22, a British man whose parents emigrated from Libya, as the suicide bomber, according to The New York Times. He lived within four miles of the arena.
According to a BBC report, eight men and a woman have been arrested in south Manchester in connection with the concert bomb attack. Prime Minister Theresa May said investigators were trying to establish whether Abedi was acting alone.
The socials are filled with messages of sorrow and devastation, to which we of course add our own.
broken.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.
— Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) May 23, 2017
— Manchester Arena (@ManchesterArena) May 23, 2017
My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight. I'm sending all my love.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 23, 2017
my heart is with u, Manchester.
— ac (@alessiacara) May 23, 2017
My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the U.K. Innocent lives lost. I'm so sorry to hear this
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) May 23, 2017
I'm heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight.
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 23, 2017
Sending love to everyone involved. H
We're deeply saddened to learn of tonight's devastating event in Manchester. Our thoughts & prayers are with those affected by this tragedy.
— Republic Records (@RepublicRecords) May 23, 2017
Details of a casualty bureau for incident at Manchester Arena will be shared as soon as available. Please stay away from the area
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2017
Praying for everyone at @ArianaGrande's show
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) May 22, 2017
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) May 23, 2017
My prayers are with you Manchester
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) May 22, 2017
wishing I could give my friend @ArianaGrande a great big hug right now... love love love you .... so sorry you had...https://t.co/GQXc9dmvsE
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) May 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrific act in Manchester. We need to do better. We need to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) May 23, 2017
Devastated by the news of what happened in Manchester at @arianagrande's concert. Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected.
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) May 23, 2017
Just saw the news about Manchester... Our hearts are breaking 💔 Prayers for all who attended, their families, Ari and her whole crew.
— Fifth Harmony (@FifthHarmony) May 23, 2017
Absolutely Horrendous what happened in Manchester tonight. My thoughts are with the great people of Manchester and also Ari and her team xx
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) May 23, 2017
Sending my unending thoughts, concern, love and hope to those in Manchester.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) May 23, 2017
We are thinking of everyone affected by the horrific events in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors in the U.K.
— BigMachine (@BigMachine) May 22, 2017
On behalf of The Voice, our hearts go out to the people at @ArianaGrande's concert in Manchester, England.
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) May 23, 2017
You're in our thoughts tonight.
Hold each other close today and everyday. Love is the only way to answer to something this hateful
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) May 23, 2017
Music should be something of joy and safety. Our thoughts are with Manchester tonight, and with the families affected by this tragedy.
— Virgin EMI Records (@VirginEMI) May 23, 2017
We are devastated by last night's tragedy in Manchester. Music is about bringing people together. Our love goes out to everyone affected.
— Decca Records (@DeccaRecords) May 23, 2017
Deeply saddened by what happened in Manchester last night. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.
— Capitol Records (@CapitolUK) May 23, 2017
— Sony Music UK (@SonyMusicUK) May 23, 2017
We are deeply saddened to learn of last night’s devastating event in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected
— UMusic Publishing UK (@UMusicPub_UK) May 23, 2017
Sending love to everyone who was at @ManchesterArena last night, fans, venue staff, @ArianaGrande and her crew. 💔
— Jamie Oborne (@jamieoborne) May 23, 2017