Twenty two people have died after a blast tore through a pop concert at Manchester Arena in a suspected suicide-terror attack that was seemingly targetted at young girls. 

In a statement this morning, Greater Manchester Police chief Ian Hopkins said young children were among the dead. He added that around 59 other people were injured in the explosion at the Ariana Grande show.

He added that the killer was a lone male terrorist using an improvised explosive device, who died at the scene. 

It is the deadliest attack in the UK since the 7/7 bus and tube bombings in London in 2007. 

Campaigning for the general election been has suspended.

Witnesses reported hearing a "huge bang" at the venue shortly after US singer's gig finished on Monday evening.

The area around the arena was swamped with police and emergency services and approach roads were closed.

Emergency numbers have been established for anyone concerned for loved ones who may not have returned home: 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.

In his statement, Hopkins said: "This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.

"Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones. We continue to do all we can to support them. They are being treated at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester."

He added: "We have been treating this as a terrorist incident and we believe that while 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."

One fan at the concert with his sister described how the explosion happened as fans were leaving the arena.

Majid Khan, 22, said: "A huge bomb-like bang went off that hugely panicked everyone and we were all trying to flee the arena.

"It was one bang and essentially everyone from the other side of the arena where the bang was heard from suddenly came running towards us as they were trying to exit."

Oliver Jones, 17, who attended with his 19-year-old sister, said: "The bang echoed around the foyer of the arena and people started to run.

"I seen people running and screaming towards one direction and then many were turning around to run back the other way."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said there would be a meeting of the Government's Cobra crisis response committee. 

"The public should remain alert but not alarmed," she said. "If they have anything to report, they should approach the police.

"But I have two further things to add. The great city of Manchester has been affected by terrorism before. Its spirit was not bowed; its community continued.

"This time it has been a particular attack on the most vulnerable in our society. Its intention was to sow fear; its intention is to divide. But it will not succeed."

Commenting on the tragic incident in Manchester last night Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.

“The Scottish Government is working with Police Scotland and the UK Government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.  I will convene a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland.”

Ariana Grande, who wasn't hurt in the attack, tweeted simply: "Broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words."

Manchester Arena said the explosion happened "outside the venue in a public space".

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims," it said.

More to follow...