British Police Confirm 19 People Dead After Terrorist Explosion At Manchester Arena
British Police Confirm 19 People Dead After Reported Explosion At Manchester Arena
May 22, 20177:36 PM ET
RICHARD GONZALES
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A street close to England's Manchester Arena is cordoned off Monday, as police confirm fatalities after a concert there by Ariana Grande. Media quote witnesses as saying there was an explosion and the audience ran for the exits.
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Police in Manchester, England, confirm 19 people dead at Manchester Arena following an apparent explosion after a concert by Ariana Grande. About 50 people have been injured.
The statement says police will treat the incident as a terrorist attack until they know otherwise.
The BBC reports witnesses heard an explosion, which was followed by a chaotic scene with audience members running for the exits.
Reuters reports that emergency services are responding to the reports of "a serious incident." Greater Manchester Police are advising people to "avoid the area."
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Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena on Monday after reports of explosions following an Ariana Grande concert.
Dave Thompson/Getty Images
A spokesman for the pop singer said that she was "okay," according to Reuters.
One witness, Josh Elliott, told the BBC Radio 5 Live that "A bang went off and everyone stopped and screamed. ... We basically hit the deck," he said. "It was bedlam ... it was horrific. We got up when we thought it was safe and got out as quickly as possible. People were just crying and in tears. ... Police cars were everywhere."
This is a developing story. Some things that get reported by the media will later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from police officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene. We will update as the situation develops.
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