Greater Manchester Police confirmed emergency services responded to the Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion during the Ariana Grande concert. Many people have reported on social media that the explosion(s) occurred while Ariana Grande was finishing her performance. They also described hearing a “loud bang” and feeling the arena shake.

SOFREP writer,  spoke with a Manchester resident and risk architect who believes the explosion(s) may not be terror related but actually equipment that fell from a gantry. He stated that when it fell there was a big flash as it disconnected and it landed on several people. Police have not confirmed this yet and are still actively clearing the building as if the incident was terror related. The bomb squad is currently on scene. The number of casualties are unknown at this time. These are initial reports. More to follow.

The video below may have captured the sound and a flash of the reported explosion(s).

https://twitter.com/JoeAaronGregory/status/866784565821677569

Update 20:15 EST- British authorities suspect that this might have been a suicide bombing outside of the arena as people were leaving the concert. Police have confirmed 19 people are dead and at least 50 were injured. SOFREP will update this article as more details are known.

Update 20:36 EST- Police stated that they will be conducting a controlled explosion near the arena.

Update 21:00 EST- Police stated that the controlled explosion was due to abandoned clothing. The US Embassy in London also released the message below following the suspected terror attack.

Update 22:16 EST: NBC reported that police may have a tentative ID of a suicide bomber. Local EMS stated 59 casualties have been taken to the surrounding hospitals as well as multiple people were treated on scene with less severe injuries.

Featured image courtesy of LNP