Campaigning for the upcoming general election has been temporarily suspended following a suspected terrorist attack at Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert last night (Monday, May 22).
Theresa May is chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee this morning, and is currently working to "establish the full details" of what police are treating as a suicide terrorist attack (via The Telegraph).
Prime Minister May released the following statement: "We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.
"All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected."
May had been due to to visit the south west of England as part of her ongoing campaign for the Conservative Party, but this is now no longer going ahead.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted to share his condolences following the attack: "Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services."
The UK's political parties have suspended general election campaigning, and it's believed May will release another statement in Downing Street after holding the emergency response meeting.
Corbyn added: "Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.
"I have spoken with the Prime Minister and we have agreed that all national campaigning in the general election will be suspended until further notice."
The SNP has postponed the launch of its manifesto which was due today (May 23).
22 people have been confirmed dead including children with at least 59 others injured after an explosion at Ariana's concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night (May 22).
The 21,000-seater venue was hosting a stop on the US popstar's 'Dangerous Woman Tour' when witnesses reported hearing a "huge bang" after Grande had left the stage
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins confirmed that 22 people have died, including children, with 59 injured. He explained the attack was carried out by a lone man, who died at the scene.
Ariana has said she has "no words" to express her grief, tweeting: "broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words."
Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.
