20 killed: More on Manchester explosion: A bomb detonated as the first people were leaving a concert

Tuesday 23-05-2017 - 01:15 AM

Terrorist attack

A blast on Monday night at a concert in the northern English city of Manchester left an unknown number of people dead and injured, police said.

BBC 5 Live reporter said police on scene of Manchester are treating this incident as a terrorist attack until they learn otherwise.

Greater Manchester Police said that emergency services continuing to work at the scene of incident. Police asked people to continue to avoid the area. Train lines blocked.

BBC cited witness who saw 20 to 30 people on the ground in Manchester Arena.

At least 20 killed

Concert goers react after fleeing the Manchester Arena in northern England where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing in Manchester, Britain, May 22, 2017. REUTERS

NBC News cited Law enforcement officials saying at least 20 dead and hundreds have been injured following reports of an explosion in Manchester, UK.

Britain is on its second-highest alert level of "severe" meaning an attack by militants is considered highly likely.

Eyewitness said: "A bomb detonated as the first people were leaving the concert. Blood and skin everywhere.", World On Alert‏ reported.

"We were making our way out and when we were right by the door there was a massive explosion and everybody was screaming," concert-goer Catherine Macfarlane told Reuters.

"It was a huge explosion -- you could feel it in your chest. It was chaotic. Everybody was running and screaming and just trying to get out."

People gather outside Manchester Arena and station in Manchester, England, on Monday night. Peter Bendicho

Number of people were killed and injured after one or more loud bangs were heard Monday night at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in England.

Greater Manchester Police said only that there were "a number of confirmed fatalities and injuries" as hundreds of fans fled the arena. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the possible blasts, which were first reported about 10:40 p.m. (5:40 p.m. ET)