Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News At Five 20170523

To thank the police and Emergency Services. She has described the attack as devastating. It is an absolutely barbaric attack that has taken place to cut off young lives in this way, and it is absolutely devastating. Police are said to know the identity of the Suicide Bomber and they say theyve arrested a 23 year old man in south manchester. We will have the details of the terrible events in the city for you. In other news, the actor sir roger moore, best known for playing james bond, has died at the age of 89. Its five oclock. Were in manchester, where the the worst Terror Attack Britain has seen in 12 years took place last night at the end of a pop concert at the Manchester Arena. 22 people are known to have died and 59 people were injured, some of them very seriously, when a Suicide Bomber detonated a device as people were leaving the concert. Many of those whod come to see Ariana Grande in concert were young people. Among those who were killed was an eight Year Old Girl, saffie rose roussos, from leyland in lancashire. Also killed was Georgina Callander, an 18 year old student at runshaw college. 59 people have been injured and they are currently being treated in a number of hospitals across the city. Officers from Greater Manchester police were called to the arena at 10. 33pm last night. The explosion happened in the arenas foyer as people began streaming through the doors at the end of the concert. Police said the male attacker, who died in the blast, detonated an Improvised Explosive Device. Officers have carried out a number of armed raids and a 23 year old man has been arrested. Our first report this evening comes from richard galpin. We will talk to the bishop Of Manchester in the coming 30 minutes. This report contains scenes you might find distressing. 0h, oh, my god. Whats going on . What had been a night ofjoy and elation for thousands of teenagers. Had been a night ofjoy and elation for thousands of teenagers. 0h, had been a night ofjoy and elation for thousands of teenagers. Oh, my god turns absolute panic. Everyones heard what they think is a bomb going off. And the only thing now is to get out of this arena as fast as possible. It was shocking. Just heard this massive bang and then everyone started running towards us screaming and crying. Everyone trampled all over us to get out. I have seen parents with kids running out with blood all over them. I picked this lady who said she was looking for the grandkids. She couldnt find them. We picked up a young girl of the floor was cove red a young girl of the floor was covered in blood with her parents next to them. It was bizarre. There is glass and there are nuts, metal nuts that have been packed in the device that has exploded. I cant think of Anything Else thats got nuts that would be flying around. Which way . Traumatised and uncertain what to do, many of the youngsters just keep running. Some searching for their parents have been waiting to pick them up at the end of the concert. Others looking for relatives and friends who have gone missing. And today, some families are still trying to find their children, having heard nothing from them since last nights concert. There are children amongst the many casualties. All the major hospitals in Manchester Being used last night to receive the injured and the dead. The police have confirmed that it was a Terrorist Attack, apparently being carried out by a Suicide Bomber. This has been the most horrific incident we have ever faced here in Greater Manchester, and one that we all hoped we would never see. Families and many young people we re see. Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have sadly lost their lives. We believe at this stage, the attack last night was conducted by one man. The priority is to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network. The attacker, i can confirm, died at the arena. We believe the attacker was carrying an Improvised Explosive Device which he detonated, causing this atrocity. The Police Investigation has moved quickly to date, with raids in south manchester including one where a controlled explosion was carried out. And earlier, a 23 year old man was arrested in the city in connection with the attack. In Downing Street, flags are flying at half mast in the aftermath of the worst Terrorist Attack in britain since the Suicide Bombings on London Transport 12 years ago. 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. This afternoon, the Prime Minister travel to manchester to meet Top Police Officers and visit a Childrens Hospital where Police Officers and visit a child rens hospital where many Police Officers and visit a Childrens Hospital where many of the injured have been treated. Childrens hospital where many of the injured have been treatedlj would like to thank all those involved, the police and other Emergency Services, for the amazing way they responded to this terrible incident. Ivejust been hearing of Police Officers who were off duty turning up, wanting to ensure that they could contribute and help. So many people have helped. Thats the great spirit Of Manchester, the spirit of britain. I am clear that the terrorists will not prevail. |j had of a garden party at buckingham palace, the queen and duke of edinburgh observed a minutes silence. Earlier in a statement, she said the whole nation had been shocked by the death and injury so many people. But the horror of what happened at the arena Last Night Led to many ordinary people offering to help. Taxi drivers providing free lifts for those who couldnt get back home, others offering rooms for anyone needing somewhere to sleep. Meanwhile, some of the victims have 110w meanwhile, some of the victims have now been named, including, on the left, 18 year old Georgina Callander, and saffie roussos, who was only eight. The children at the concert would never have imagined that they would end up like this, having to escape a Terrorist Attack. But its clear that they were deliberately targeted, and that has provoked both shock and revulsion in this country and Around The World. With me is the mayor of Greater Manchester, newly elected, andy burnham. We are thinking about eve ryo ne burnham. We are thinking about everyone affected today. Yes, we are. This is a city pretty numb right now, raw with grief. But going about its business, and that is the mancunian spirit. People dont give in or back down to terror of this kind. As they did 20 years ago after the ira bomb, people are out again tonight and that is the true spirit of Greater Manchester. What are the citys police force and other agencies telling you as mayor today . What is the latest you can share with our viewers . There is a limit to what i can say because the Police Investigation is ongoing. However, i would say that this was an act of extremism. It doesnt represent any religion. It doesnt represent any community and it certainly doesnt represent Greater Manchester. The spirit of Greater Manchester was those people throwing their doors open last night at that moment of maximum panic, welcoming people in, driving people away from danger. That is the spirit of this place. And that was the best response to what happened. You have spoken to lots of the citys people today. What is the message they have been giving you . And what have you said to them . I was walking past the town hall a moment ago and someone said, dont let them divide us, dont let the hate come in. People feel that very strongly. Of course, we are all grieving today. But we are strong. We will back the police 100 in finding who was responsible for this, and we will support them. At the same time, we wont let this act of extremism divide us one from another. There are those who will like to make it all the responsibility of the Muslim Community. Well, im afraid that is wrong. This is an extremist act and the person who did it no more represent the Muslim Community than the person who killed jo cox represents the White Christian community. Its an act of extremism and people need to remember that. Said there is a limit to what you can say, but we were reporting earlier, based on the Prime Ministers remarks, that police have a good idea of who they think is responsible. Is that your understanding . They obviously have a name, but they havent confirmed it yet. So it would not be properfor me to say any more. But there will be further announcements in due course. They have been magnificent. Hundreds of Police Officers, Ambulance Staff and firefighters we re Ambulance Staff and firefighters were out In The City Centre when the rest of the world was probably asleep last night. They saw unimaginable scenes in terms of sheer horror. They are an inspiration to all of us and we thank them today. Give us a sense of the time to support that has been extended by the city to the people affected. All atrocities of this kind are terrible. There was another dimension last night because there we re dimension last night because there were so many young dimension last night because there were so many young people and children in the audience for this concert. What kind of support are you able to offer families and eve iyo ne you able to offer families and everyone who has been affected . The city council here have been working ha rd city council here have been working hard today. There has been a Family Contact Centre set up at the etihad stadium. We are working with Hotel Companies who are currently making rooms available for people. We are conscious that some of the people who are trapped in the city maybe dont live here, so they have some expenses. So we are doing our best to help people through these difficult times. We will raise a fund to support people. We will do everything we can. You made the point very clearly about manchester today, people making a big effort to go around and try to lead as normal a life as is possible in these circumstances. What can you tell us about the ongoing Security Operation in the city and what is your message to the people of the city today in terms of the operation going on to make sure things are as safe as they can be . I know, because i have seen it for myself, people have worked flat out over the last 2a hours to return the city to a form of normality to make it safe. They couldnt have done more. Already, there are major developments here that make sure that if there was more than one individual responsible, we will find them. People should be reassured that the Emergency Services and the police have done everything possible. We have done everything possible. We have had excellent support today from the Prime Minister, from the government. I would say to people to have a look at Albert Square in front of the town hall as all walks of life come together. That is the true face of Greater Manchester and that spirit will not be beaten by what happened last night. Thank you so what happened last night. Thank you so much for talking to us today. I know the vigil is happening soon just beyond the town hall, which is behind us. Good of you tojoin us. Its a pleasure. Well, not a pleasure, it is a difficult day, but its important to be here to thank people. We have had messages of support from all over the country. I have been inundated with messages from mayors in other cities Around The World. The solidarity means a great deal to us. Thank you to everybody who has made contact. That was the mayor of Greater Manchester, andy burnham. We are in the heart of the city. Manchester town hall is just behind me. The arena where the concert took place last night is a short distance away and it is surrounded by an extensive security cordon. Letsjoin my colleague ben brown, who is there with the latest. We arejust at brown, who is there with the latest. We are just at the edge of that cordon, and there is the Manchester Arena. Very quiet tonight, bathed in evening sunshine. You canjust perhaps see the steps leading out the arena. That is where there were scenes of Panic Last Night after that bomb went off. The Suicide Bomber detonated his device and people than for their lives. There we re people than for their lives. There were a lot of young people, not only stu d e nts were a lot of young people, not only students and teenagers, but some of them were Primary School age as well. They had been dropped there by theirfamilies well. They had been dropped there by their families and after they ran, many were put up in hotels overnight. They were effectively separated from their friends and family and were looked after by hotel staff. All through the day, we have been Hearing Eyewitness accou nts have been Hearing Eyewitness a ccou nts of have been Hearing Eyewitness accounts of what happened in there at10 30pm accounts of what happened in there at 10 30pm last night as the concert had ended. The explosion went off. People have been telling us they saw nuts and bolts flying through the air. A huge flash, a thunderous explosion and these pieces of shrapnel that were clearly designed to cause maximum damage to the people who were there. 22 People Killed, 59 injured. Some of the injured were treated at Manchester Victoria railway station, just adjoining the arena. Railway staff trained in first aid gave triage and Rudimentary For Stage first aid to the casualties. They saw terrible things before those casualties were then taken to eight hospitals around then taken to eight hospitals around the city. The 59 injured were treated in those hospitals and some have life threatening injuries. Ben brown, thanks very much. I mentioned that we are at the sight of Manchester Town Hall. This was the scene a Manchester Town Hall. This was the scene a short while ago. The Prime Minister visited Manchester Town Hall earlier to sign the book of condolence that has been established. She came to manchester, having chaired the meeting of the Cabinet Emergency Committee cobra in Downing Street this morning before making her way to manchester, where she met Police Leaders and leaders of the Emergency Services, wanted to thank them. She then made her way to the town hall in manchester to sign the town hall in manchester to sign the book of condolence. I mentioned the book of condolence. I mentioned the vigil which is taking place at six oclock. The mayor was talking about that, a vigil being held to show respect and solidarity. It is due to start in 45 minutes in the citys Albert Square. My colleague Danny Savidge is there to do tell us how the preparations for that are coming along. We are still 45 minutes away from this vigil beginning outside the city town hall. It is already filling up with lots of people. There are lots of people with posters with i Love Manchester written on them. Lots of people are in shock about what happened last month. Lets talk to katrina. She is 16 and was at the concert last night. She is a super fan when it comes to Ariana Grande. Where were you and what happened . Fan when it comes to Ariana Grande. Where were you and what happened . M was the end of the concept and i was on the third row down from the stage. As soon as the lights came up after the concert, there was like a bomb sound. Let me interrupt you as we go to Greater Manchester police. The Chief Constable is speaking. Lam ian i am ian hopkins, lam ian hopkins, the i am ian hopkins, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester police and i would like to give you an Operational Update in relation to the ongoing incident in manchester. Let me start by once again expressing my sincere condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones in this atrocity. We now have a team of specifically trained family Liaison Officers working with those families and supporting them. There has been much regulation in the media and on social media as to the names of some of the victims. Whilst i accept that some of this is an inevitability, i would ask that people allow us to work with the coroner and to work with those families and ensure that they are properly supported before we release the names of those that have sadly lost their lives. As you would expect, the Police Response across Greater Manchester has been significant today as we help people to continue to go about their Daily Business and lead their lives. Part of this response has seen us arrest a 23 year old man in connection with the attack. We have also carried out two warrants. One in fallowfield saw us two warrants. One in fallowfield saw us undertake a controlled explosion gain entry. I wish to reassure those communities that that was something we we re communities that that was something we were doing to gain safe access, it is nothing to be concerned about. We understand that feelings are very raw right now and that people are bound to be looking for answers. However, more than ever, it is vital that our Diverse Communities that make Greater Manchester such a strong place stand together and support each other, as we will be doing in the vigil at six p. M. Support each other, as we will be doing in the vigil at six pm. We will therefore not tolerate hate towards any parts of our community and should communities be suffering from hate incidents or crime, i would urge them to report it to us. This afternoon, we were visited by the home secretary amber rudd and the home secretary amber rudd and the Prime Minister theresa may, both of whom were given a briefing about our operations and the investigation over today and the next few days. I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last nights atrocity is a 22 year old. He has not yet been formally named by the coroner and i would not wish to therefore comment any further about him at this stage. Our priority, along with the Police Counterterrorist Network and our security partners, is to continue to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a wider network. Thank you very much. So, that was ian hopkins, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester police, giving us an update on the investigation so farand an update on the investigation so far and confirming what has been reported unofficially in some quarters that they are naming the suspect as salman abedi, aged 22. No more details given by the police, saying they want to make sure they have all the context correct before saying Anything Else. But they are naming the suspect as salman abedi. There are also confirming that they arrested a 23 year old man earlier today in south manchester and they gave details of two operations which also took place in parts of the city including a controlled explosion in one part of the city at lunchtime today. The Chief Constable gave a very strong message there, appealing for people across Greater Manchester, the entire region, to show respect and tolerance and to show respect and tolerance and to show understanding and support. A very strong message underlining what he said was the special nature of this diversity. I am pleased to say that the bishop Of Manchesterjoins me now, the Right Reverend david walker. That was an Important Message for the Chief Constable to deliver. It is indeed. On lesser occasions, we have had to stand together. This is the most serious event to happen in manchester to happen for many a year and again, we will stand together. I have been touched by the messages of support i have received from Greater Manchester and further afield. We will stand together and show that terror never wins. The mayor earlier was also underlining the fact that this was a matter of extremism, not a matter of any individual faith. Absolutely. We have seen time and time again the people who commit these atrocities dont represent the Faith Communities that they claim to come from. If you look at their past lives, they have shown little of the kind of piety or good works that those religions uphold. They are abhorrent members of what the community and nobody needs to be tarred with their brush. What is the church able to do today in a city like manchester affected so deeply . The churches have been open for prayer today across manchester and beyond. In that, we have been encouraging people to come and be there with their thoughts and prayers, whatever their concerns are. Our prayers are firstly with the victims and survivors. Bearing in mind how lee janzen the victims and survivors. Bearing in mind how Leejanzen A The Victims and survivors. Bearing in mind how lee janzen a lot of the audience were, we know there are people who will bear physical and mental scars for decades bearing in mind how young a lot of the audience were. We will always be here to support those who have suffered today, long after the media have moved on to another atrocity in another place. These people have lives to lead and we will help them. Given your position as the bishop Of Manchester, how would you describe the city today . It is very resilient. First thing this morning, i was resilient. First thing this morning, iwas in resilient. First thing this morning, i was in the city. It was very subdued. But it is a resilient city. We have seen People Holding hands or walking arm in arm more than normal, but they are still here. A few minutes ago, i heard applause coming from below as somebody must have said something which was recognised by the crowd. That is the spirit that sees us through, as it did when we had a bomb 21 years ago. Good of you tojoin us. Youre we had a bomb 21 years ago. Good of you to join us. Youre watching bbc news and our coverage from manchester continues. Yes, we are outside the Manchester Arena, where the police are now saying that a 22 year old man, salman abedi, was the Suicide Bomber who last night at 10 30pm after that concert, detonated his device and killed 22 people and injured 59. So we now have the name. That name has been circulating, but although the police said they knew the name of the Suicide Bomber, they didnt want it released. But they have just released. But they have just released it. The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, ian hopkins, put it out in the public domain. Lets go to ouraffairs it out in the public domain. Lets go to our Affairs Correspondent daniel sandford, who was listening as Greater Manchester police headquarters. Talk us through where we are now in terms of what we know about the bomb and the investigation . As you say, the name salman abedi has been circulating for some time but at the request of the police, we havent rushed to name him because the Police Wanted to tie up some lines of their investigation before the name was out there publicly. We can tell you that salman abedi was born in manchester on new years eve in 1994. He seems to have at least three brothers and sisters, an Elder Brother Born In London and a Younger Brother Born In London and a younger brother and sister born in manchester. The family are believed to be libya ns manchester. The family are believed to be libyans originally. Neighbours talked about them having libyan flags flying in their house at certain times of year. They lived at more than one address in manchester. So he was born here, they have lived at more than one address. So they knew the city well. But the Police Believe he was the man that took an Improvised Explosive Device into the foyer of the Manchester Arena last night as the concert was ending, and killed 22 other people as well as himself, including an eight Year Old Girland himself, including an eight Year Old Girl and several other teenagers. Daniel, what are the implications of the fact that as you say, the suspected Suicide Bomber was born in the uk and born in manchester . M some ways, we have become used to that. It is not the first time we have had british Suicide Bombers and it is not the first time we have had british Suicide Bombers who have chosen to target the uk. So there arent major implications. The libyan connection is interesting, because of course, there was a strong involvement of british jihadis from manchester in libya at the time that Colonel Gaddafi was deposed from power in libya. So that is interesting, but critically at the moment, what the police need to do is work out where that Improvised Explosive Device was made and by doing that, find out who made it. That will tell them whether salman abedi was a man who sat alone, built a device and took it to that concert last night, or was working as part ofa last night, or was working as part of a wider conspiracy, a group of people who were plotting this devastating attack against young people on a night out in manchester. For the moment, thank you very much indeed, home Affairs Correspondent. That picked up on some of those thoughts with Chris Phillips s, former head of National Counterterrorism security office. What we know now about the suspected Suicide Bomber was that he was a 22 year old, salman abedi, born in 1984, 1994, new years eve. Chris phillips. The key question, really, was he acting alone, was this something he did off his own back, asa something he did off his own back, as a lone wolf, was it a wider conspiracy . , what is a hunch . Most likely there are other people involved, due to the nature of the attack methodology, the amount of planning and preparation that must have gone in to make a bomb in the first place but also to deal with the detonators, putting the thing together, and then delivering it to the location that he wanted to blow up. That takes a lot of planning, andi up. That takes a lot of planning, and i think most police would probably think that some other people were at least involved, to what depth we dont know. One of the things the police will be trying to find out is where these explosions have come from and what type of explosives they are. And we know from the Chief Constable, just telling us, lots of Police Activity in and around manchester, one arrest, a couple of raids, controlled explosion to gain access. These early hours after the atrocity was committed are very important to police. Absolutely and lets not forget, if someone has gone to the trouble of building a bomb, a Suicide Vests, there is quite a good chance that another Suicide Vests may exist somewhere and if it is home made explosives, that is dangerous in itself, police will be very wary about the enquiries they have to do, the tracking down of any composite, it is those people will be very dangerous themselves. Just to put this into context, we know the Intelligence Services have foiled quite a number of plots in recent yea rs, foiled quite a number of plots in recent years, and they have always said that it is inevitable, sooner or later, there will be an attack, we had the westminster attack, now a bomb attack in the heart Of Manchester. Due to the number of people involved in terrorism in one form or another, it is pretty much. It was pretty much guaranteed that at one stage, one of them was going to get through and commita them was going to get through and commit a Terrorist Attack. What we have seen here is a slightly more developed plan, someone that has gone to a lot more effort to deliver the explosives and cause such tragedy in manchester, has really gone out of their way to do that, not something you can do in a day or a couple of days, this is something planned over a number of months, and if only to make these lotions or get hold of the exposes, that is a difficult thing to do. And it does seem difficult thing to do. And it does seem that the attacker was targeting young people specifically, knowing that star, Ariana Grande, has very young fans, a lot of girls, teenage girls, some, just at Primary School. Com pletely girls, some, just at Primary School. Completely disgusting but u Nfortu Nately completely disgusting but unfortunately it is quite normal in the mind of these terrorists to think that young people are attractive victims. It is hideous. What we have seen in different parts of the world, pakistan, where schools have been deliberately attacked and young People Killed in classrooms, to the bataclan, not dissimilar to this, slightly older audience, people going about their business in crowded places are legitimate targets in the eyes of these terrorists. Chris phillips, former head of National Counterterrorism security office, thank you very much indeed for your thoughts. 22 killed here at the Manchester Arena, 59 injured, they are being treated at eight hospitals in and around manchester, one of those is the manchester royal infirmary, we will go straight there now, Anita Mcveigh has been there all day for us. Mcveigh has been there all day for us. Nine of the 59 injured are here at the manchester royal infirmary, one of eight hospitals, as you say, involved in looking after the 59 injured as a result of last nights horrendous attack. We have seen throughout the day and heard about the huge wave of support for the Emergency Services. First of all, we have had all of the off duty members of the off Emergency Services, who have come to volunteer their help throughout the night and into the morning and the response from the public who have wanted to back up the doctors nurses, ambulance crews, all those people working to deal with the injured. With me, health editor, hugh pym, tell us about the response of the emergency medical services, obviously they have a well rehearsed plan for major incidents but the reality is something different. Thats right, the Chief Executive of North West Ambulance service said, nothing can prepare you for the sadness and shock of a tragedy like this and it is a very sad day for manchester. However, i get the sense that there is quiet contentment that the plan they had in place was put into practice and delivered, it worked. One source told me, they were expecting Something Like this to happen, tragic as though that might seem, they had prepared for it, so within minutes of the attack taking place, the regional plan was put into action, it was declared a major incident, individual hospitals then got in touch, with staff that came in overnight, and they had all the doctors and Nursing Staff that they needed and more that came into work today, and the Berlin Service calling on a total of 300 people including Control Room Staff with their response. There is a feeling that what was there was the best they could have offered. And the ambulance service. I know that at the other hospitals, is usually appreciative of the public response. One consultant came out and said, lees convey to people in manchester how grateful we are, how touched we are, overwhelmed by the generosity, food coming in all day including a woman ina food coming in all day including a woman in a wheelchair, an elderly woman, bringing in bottles of water, a Supermarket Chain has sent in food, a pizza delivery firm, a Catering Company has brought in food, and taking it away again. And they are taking it to another site in manchester. They are literary overwhelmed by the generosity of local people. They would like to thank them. Also people queueing up to give blood, including the donor ce ntre to give blood, including the donor centre over there, so they have just the supplies they needed, at one point they had to declare, they have what they want, even with hughes at these centres. Even with queues. If they have appointments over the next few days, keep to those appointments, at giving blood, but they do not need anything over and above, above registered donors they need anybody with the blood type 0 negative, but otherwise stick to those appointments. The staff here have been incredibly supportive and feeling very grateful for the support from the public. As they worked tirelessly, professionally, of course, they have two keep their emotions in check, dont they, but you can clearly see from medical staff that they are really feeling this as they work to help the injured and their families. Leaders from Around The World have condemned the attack. All Election Campaigning has been suspended today as a mark of respect, including the postponing of the Scottish National partys manifesto, which was due to be launched this morning. Our Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale reports. Voiceover paris and saint petersburg, brussels and berlin, london and now manchester. The threat of terrorism is one which few nations can avoid and many must face. Todayit today it was their turn to show solidarity with the people of britain. On the latest leg of his tour of the middle east, President Trump said something he called the Wicked Ideology behind terrorism had to be completely obliterated. So many young beautiful innocent People Living and enjoying their lives, murdered by evil losers in life. I wont call them monsters, because they would like that term, they would think thats a great name. I will call them from now on losers because that is what they are, they are losers the president s spokesman said he had telephoned theresa may to express condolences, the first of many World Leaders to make similar calls. The newly elected president of france, emmanuel macron, also spoke to the Prime Minister and offered her all means of corporation to help britain in the fight against terrorism. In berlin this morning, the union flag was at half mast at the british embassy, and germanys chancellor offered support and sympathy. Translation this suspected Terrorist Attack will merely strengthened determination to continue working together with friends in the uk to combat those who plan and carry out such despicable acts, people in the uk can rest assured that germany stands shoulder to shoulder with them. Can rest assured that germany stands shoulder to shoulder with themm brussels, flags at the European Commission and here at the European Parliament were also lowered out of respect for the victims. The president of the european council, donald tusk, said on twitter ina in a telegram to theresa may, Vladimir Putin offered to step up russian counterterrorism cooperation with britain, and other leaders from Around The World offered their condolences and support. Japans Prime Minister said this weeks summit of g 7 leaders in italy would show determination to stand up to terrorism. The president , of china, who visited london last year, telephoned the queen to say that china stood with britain at this difficult time, and the Prime Minister of australia condemned a vile attack, as he called it, directed at teenagers. This is an attack on innocents, surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children, this is a direct and brutal attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere. It was a message that echoed Around The World, across social media. The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of cobra today, then she came up here to manchester, went to one of the hospitals here, thoughts to the Chief Constable and other Police Commanders about their investigation. Lets go to Downing Street now. Our chief Political Correspondent vicki young is at Downing Street. Extremely busy day for the Prime Minister, we gather there will be another meeting of cobra later on . Very much the practicalities of all this, she was home secretary for several years, this is her area of expertise, she will be wanting to keep a very close eye on all of that, whether it is about victims and Police Investigation, there will be another meeting, more in the coming days here in whitehall, and in Downing Street, notjust about the practicalities, when this kind of horror happens, people do look to the Prime Minister, they look to the leader of the country to voice what people are feeling, to speak to the nation, that is what she tried to do today, when she spoke on the steps, you could hear her anger, but also her defiance, not allowing values to be torn apart by people, that they would prevail in the end. I also think trying to give voice to the incomprehension that people are feeling, this attack seems to be different in the sense that it is deliberately targeted children, you could certainly tell that was something she wanted to focus on, she said it was in fact a sickening cowardice. Also said two people, dontjust cowardice. Also said two people, dont just focus on cowardice. Also said two people, dontjust focus on the scenes of carnage and the horror that has been seen carnage and the horror that has been seen there, she wants people to think about the positives as well, response of the Emergency Services, the people who did not run away from it but ran to it, members of the Public Offering to help. When people may be feeling despair, she is not the first rigid Prime Minister to have the stand here and respond to this kind of atrocity but she is trying to say to people, do not despair, there must be hope as well. General election campaign, in the middle of it, does not feel like that, campaigning has been suspended, and probably tomorrow, it is difficult to see how quickly they will go back to the cut and thrust of that kind of debate, wouldnt feel appropriate at the moment. The Prime Minister herself will be abroad at nato summits and the g 7 in the next few days, but of course, eventually, people will say, you have to carry on otherwise the terrorists have won, so they will return at some point to the general Election Campaigning. Thank you very much indeed, and at six oclock there is going to be a vigil here in there is going to be a vigil here In The City Centre, to remember the victims of the atrocity at the Manchester Arena. Manchester is a city trying to pull together after this devastating attack, as dan johnson together after this devastating attack, as danjohnson now reports. Manchesters streets, busy with shoppers. Some shocked, some sad but determined. They are proud, too, of the way people here responded. Absolutely defiant. There is nobody in this world that will keep us away of coming to the centre Of Manchester, its vibrancy, its metropolitan feeling, its fantastic, no amount of evilness will ever, ever dampen any good thought there is about manchester. Greater manchesters new mayor shared their pride and defiance. I want to thank the people Of Manchester. Even in the minutes after the attack, they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger. They gave the best possible Immediate Response to those who seek to divide us. And itll be that spirit Of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together. There were so many offers to donate blood, this morning they had to turn people away. Obviously, with the tragedy that has happened, if we can help in that way, that would be beneficial. So, it would be nice, you know, to do something to help. I really wanted to come down and see if i could help at all. Such a massive tragedy. An overwhelming response on social media. I thought i would come down and try to give blood. Do my bit. Last night, an instinctive reaction from the citys cab drivers, not to run from danger but to help others find their families and offer them lifts home. I have just come down to see if anyone needed a lift home f they were stranded or lost or anything. As a good citizen, its the time where Everyone Needs to come together. I thought id come out and try to help the people get home, free of charge, without worry being paying to get home. This city has Felt Destruction before. An ira bomb exploded at the Arndale Shopping Centre in 1996, Injuring Hundreds of people, just yards from last nights attack. This post box was about the only thing that survived. The city centre has been rebuilt around it, but it is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the city and it is that same spirit that people are relying on here today. And this evening, people will come together In The City Centre to show their support in a vigil. Tough, gritty resolve is a natural response here, but its certainly being tested. Danjohnson, bbc news, manchester. That vigil is about to start in Manchester City centre to remember those who died. Tony lloyd is there, who was manchesters interim mayor for the past two years, before the election of andy burnham, and former police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester. Thank you very much forjoining us, what are your thoughts on how important it is for the City Of Manchester to come together tonight with this vigil, and show it will not be defeated by terrorism . You can see behind me there are throngs of people coming out to show their respect to the families of those who died, the goodwill to those who have been injured, but in the end, the resolution that says, we are not repaired to be divided by a people who commit this evil. The murder of children in this city is devastating, but we will stand together, we will comfort the parade, we will work with those who have been injured and we will get through this working together. That is the spirit Of Manchester. We were hearing from the Chief Constable, ian hopkins, saying, this is a multicultural city, it has two stay that way, it has to stand together, there cannot be any reprisals or any kind of hate crime in the wake of this atrocity . We pride ourselves on the fact that this is a very diverse city region, people from literally all over the world make their home here, we live together as good neighbours. The idea that that diversity can be challenged by The Act Of One Evil individual, is unacceptable. We have stood together in the past against those who would divide us, we will stand together, and that is what you see tonight, people from all backgrounds, ethnicities and culture, in the City Of Manchester, but across the city region, as the jewels are taking place. We do stand together and we are not prepared to tolerate those who will divide us and we will not give them any kind of oxygen. The love and compassion that was shown last night by the Emergency Services, who were brilliant, but also ordinary citizens offering homes and hotel rooms and taxi rides to those in need, that is what Greater Manchester is all about, and iam Greater Manchester is all about, and i am proud of that, it brings out, sadly, the best in us on an occasion like this. Of course we think of those who have suffered, that is foremost in our thoughts, sad and outrageous though that is, but we will stand together. And we are hearing from the police tonight that the suspected Suicide Bomber who has been named was born in manchester, in 1994, 22 years old. What is your reaction to that . Again, it is one of enormous sadness that a british young man should be so deluded by for whatever reasons that he is prepared to take the innocent lives of children, the innocent lives of adolescents who went out to enjoy themselves, there can be nojoy in any of this. Save for that little ray of hope that shows that people in times like this come together and say, we will not accept evil acts as ways of dividing us, that is the loud message, not simply from Greater Manchester but from this country. We do stand together against this kind of evil. Tony lloyd, former interim air Of Manchester, thank you very much for joining us and for your thoughts. The Manchester Arena behind me is the second biggest indoor music venuein the second biggest indoor music venue in europe, with a capacity of 201000. 21,000. The singer Ariana Grande tweeted that she was broken, from the bottom of my heart. And the group take that have confirmed theyll postpone their planned show tonight in liverpool out of respect for the victims. Our entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson reports now on the response from the music industry. Voiceover it was a situation with which any parent could identify. Dropping your children off at an event theyve been looking forward to for months and coming back to pick them up a couple of hours later. Theyd come to see Ariana Grandes dangerous woman tour but ended up being the ones in danger. Members of an audience which became the target of a Terrorist Attack. The singer made her name as a childrens tv star and still attracts a very young, predominantly female fan base. Many in the crowd pre teens, some as young as seven or eight. Entertainment stars expressed their horror at the nights event. It shocks me every time we hear this sort of news, that attacks like this can happen, but especially when there will be so many children at this concert tonight. Well all go to bed holding our little ones even tighter this evening. Last year, Time Magazine named Ariana Grande as one of the 100 most influential people on the planet, highlighting her 150 million social media followers and the role it plays in attracting her young fans. It was with a tweet she communicated after the attack, simply saying, broken. From the bottom of my heart, i am so, so, sorry, i dont have words. Now the world of music is using the same platform to voice their support, both for her and the City Of Manchester. Taylor swift says she is offering her thoughts and prayers and tears for all those affected by the manchester tragedy. Harry styles described himself as heart broken over what happened. A sentiment shared by katy perry who says she is broken hearted for the families and broken hearted for Ariana Grande. And those stars can picture exactly where the attack took place because the Manchester Arena is the second largest indoor music venue in europe, and their world tours all take them there. Tomorrow night take that were due to play the first of three Homecoming Gigs in the venue. Now its a crime scene. Harvey goldsmith, the promoter behind live aid, says last nights attack has huge implications for the live music market. The most vulnerable point is on the exit and, therefore, i presume all the arenas and promoters together will review how to deal with people leaving concerts but if its outside the concert area, the arena itself, where the concert takes place, if it is on the way out, it is very difficult to do much more than has been done now. It is believed that Ariana Grande will cancel the remaining european dates of her tour, which was scheduled to reach london tomorrow. The former child star is now having to deal with the most adult of situations. Lets talk through more the invitations of what happened here, we arejoined by invitations of what happened here, we are joined by a professor of political economy at the manchester metropolitan university. This building behind me, the Manchester Arena, such a soft target, and particularly last night, when we know that a lot of the people in the audience were very young indeed. Very true, does not get more soft than that, the person who did the attack last night, the Terrorist Attack, knew exactly what they were doing, determined to die, came to kill himself and kill as many people as possible with him, and that is precisely what he did, and targeted very young children, just leaving a concert, looking for their parents to ta ke concert, looking for their parents to take them home. Knew exactly what he was doing, prepared very well for the attack, unfortunately, he caused a lot of pain. Do you think he was acting alone . Very difficult at this stage to read that conclusion but from what happened, possible to actually say that he has prepared for this very well, obviously has prepared explosives, usually, such attacks are difficult to conduct and organise alone. So i assume he has links, some kind of links, remains to be seen how big and how close those links are to the islamist state in syria. Islamic state have claimed responsibility. That was not really m ea n claimed responsibility. That was not really mean that they have actually organise and plan this operation. Remains to be seen how deep and how close those links are to Islamic State in syria. We have to wait and see what comes out of this operation so see what comes out of this operation so far. The police have now named the suspected Suicide Bomber, we are hearing, he was born in manchester. That is very sad but also expected, this fits very well with the profile of most terrorists, if we can use that term, very young, second generation, usually not very educated, they could be but they are not usually highly educated, they have a troubled life, most of these guys, have a troubled life, most of these guys, they have faced some kind of difficulties, either at school, finding ajob, difficulties, either at school, finding a job, with theirfamilies. What do we know so far about most terrorists that commit these attacks, this fits that. Does there need to be more security now add music venues like this one, we are about to have a sum of music festivals, the fa cup final coming up festivals, the fa cup final coming up as well. Summer. Festivals, the fa cup final coming up as well. Summer. Such an operation will have Security Implications and there will be more security as a result, but we must keepin security as a result, but we must keep in mind, no matter how excellent we are, and this country has one of the best Counterterrorism Experts in the world, if someone is determined to die, it will be very difficult to stop each one of them, and we need to remember that u Nfortu Nately for and we need to remember that unfortunately for our excellent security officers, they need to get it right ten out of ten times, but the terrorist only needs to get it right one time. Thank you very much for joining right one time. Thank you very much forjoining us. Let me show you pictures from the vigil for up in Central Manchester tonight. To remember those who died in the atrocity at the Manchester Arena last night. 22 people have lost their lives, the youngest aged only eight, 59 people have been injured, and are being treated in hospitals in and around manchester this evening. As such a sad day in manchester draws to a close, we will get the weather forecast. It is going to get warmer over the next few days, quite warm today, in the sunshine, 22 degrees, we have seen more the sunshine, 22 degrees, we have seen more cloud across southern england, tending to melt away from the south east, more cloud going into northern ireland, scotland, rain or drizzle into northern ireland, scotland, Rain Ordrizzle in into northern ireland, scotland, rain or drizzle in the evening and into the night, one or two spots of rain into the north west of england, some low cloud returning back into wales and the south west but for eastern areas, dry and clear overnight. Quite a warm night, temperatures 14, 15 in towns and cities. Sunshine for eastern areas, rain and drizzle, that will fade away, showers lingering. Generally a dry day, areas that see the sunshine to begin with will see clouds developing, areas that start with cloud will see sunshine developing. Even with cloud, warm, temperature into the low 20s, into the let later on into the week, staying dry, more sunshine, temperatures will get even higher. Tonight at six were in manchester a city pulling together after the worst Terror Attack in its history. 22 people have been killed inside the Manchester Arena last night as thousands of young fans at a concert realise theres been an explosion. The Emergency Services were called within minutes of the suicide bombing. 60 ambulances took dozens of injured to hospitals. Shouting, mad, chaotic rush the nearest exit. All i could hear was screaming, crying, people running everywhere. It was total madness. Student Georgina Callander was the first victim to be named. The youngest was saffie roussos