Welcome to the Examiner's live news blog. We will work to keep you updated on all the latest following Monday night's horrific attack at the Manchester Evening News Arena.
It has been confirmed that 22 people have died and 59 remained injured in hospital.
West Yorkshire Police have issued a statement after the national terror threat was raised to "critical" - the highest level - following Monday night's attack.
Prime Minister Theresa May issued a statement last night to say military units had been deployed to help police as security is raised to full alert for events around West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
If you have been affected by Monday night's attack or need someone to talk to, you can reach the helpline on 0800 096 0095.
You can also reach our newsdesk on 01484 437712.
Key Events
"These people are here to keep us safe"
Another lovely tweet from one of our police officers.
Off-duty police officer killed in attack
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has confirmed that an off-duty female police officer was killed in Monday night’s attack.
The police chief has said at a conference just now at GMP HQ that specialist officers have spoken to the families of each and every victim, including relatives of those who have been injured.
Raids have taken place across Manchester and four people are currently in custody in connection with the attack.
Police: "All 22 victims identified"
Police say they have now identified all those who were killed in Monday’s attack.
We know 22 people were killed, many of which were children and young people.
British Transport Police have released a statement as they too step up patrols.
Officers want the public to be extra vigilant in train stations and other similar public places.
Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock said: “Our officers have been given specialist training in counter terrorism policing – including behavioural awareness skills. This means that their day-to-day policing role is keenly focussed on keeping passengers and staff as safe as possible.
“Over the coming days, we’ll be keeping a close eye to keep you safe, as well as making sure the nation’s railways keep functioning as usual.
“I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to stay calm, be vigilant, and if you spot anything at all which gives you cause for concern, let us know. In light of the dreadful events over these last few days, and last night’s increase to the national threat level, nothing should be considered too trivial to report and any information – regardless of whether you feel it is significant or not – may be important to all of us.”
If you see or hear anything that could be a threat of any kind you can
- Call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321
- A textphone service is available if you have speech or hearing difficulties 0800 032 4539 (text messages from mobiles not accepted)
or to get in touch with British Transport Police direct
- Call us on 0800 40 50 40
- Text us on 61016
In case of an emergency, always ring 999
Polish café serves free tea and coffee to police following terror attack
This is lovely...
Teenage girl announced as latest victim
A 14-year-old girl has been confirmed as another victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack.
Nell Jones, from Goostrey in Cheshire, was believed to have been on crutches at the event she attended with her best friend.
Armed police spotted outside Kingsgate
Armed police have been in Huddersfield town centre today as patrols are stepped across West Yorkshire and the rest of the country.
Some were spotted outside Kingsgate shopping centre.
Police say no intelligence of a planned terror attack in West Yorkshire
Here is the latest statement from Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams from West Yorkshire Police:
“As people will be aware, the UK terror threat level has been raised to CRITICAL.
“While this means an attack in the UK is expected imminently and could happen anywhere in the UK, at this time, there is no specific information about West Yorkshire.
“I want to reassure our communities that we will continue to provide an appropriate police presence, which includes high visibility police patrols across West Yorkshire.
“This includes more firearms officers at key locations to provide community reassurance and we continue to work with our partners and other emergency services in these difficult times.
“As we said earlier today, the raising of the threat also means that we can, if required, call on military assistance to help us keep the communities of West Yorkshire safe.
“I can confirm that, like a number of other Forces, we have submitted a request for military support, but people should not expect to see soldiers patrolling their communities at this time.”
#BritishThreatLevels
The hashtag #BritishThreatLevels is trending worldwide, and it’s one small thing that will make you smile.
Here are some of our favourites.
Victims' injuries similar to those in war torn Syria - doctor
A surgeon working on Manchester victims confirmed how he has treated injuries similar to those he has operated on during his time as a volunteer in Syria.
Jon Rouse told the BBC: “They’ve been the sort of traumatic injuries that you would expect in terms of the type of device used, the proximity to the people who were injured.
“We’re dealing with injuries to major organs, we’re dealing with loss of limbs potentially, we’re dealing with embedded objects, all the horrific injuries that you would expect from the event that happened.”
Holmfirth High students and teacher were at Ariana Grande concert
It’s been confirmed that 15 students and one teacher from Holmfirth High School were at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.
It’s understood they were all there separately and not together as a school trip. It’s thought the teacher was there to pick up her child.
A spokesperson from the school has said that none of them have been hurt.
Three men arrested in connection with attack
Three men have been arrested in the south of Manchester in connection with Monday’s bomb attack, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.
Northern Rail strikes called off to staff Huddersfield to Victoria trains
Northern Rail strike action has been called off in light of the attack.
Rail, Maritime and Transport union members on Southern Railway, Arriva Rail North and Merseyrail were due to walk out for 24 hours on May 30. You can read more here.
"Attacker was known to police"
We’re just seeing news that the Home Secretary has confirmed the Manchester attacker was known to police.
Huddersfield to Manchester Victoria services still not running
Just to let you know trains are still not running from Huddersfield to Manchester Victoria this morning.
All Northern Rail services are terminating in Stalybridge.
Tributes to teenage girl who died in bomb blast
The mother of a 15-year-old girl has paid tribute to her “precious” daughter as she revealed she had died in the Manchester Arena bombing.
Olivia Campbell, from Bury, was among 22 people killed by suicide bomber Salman Abedi in an attack on a pop concert on Monday night.
Read mum Charlotte’s moving tributes here.
York parents confirmed dead after going to pick up their children
A missing couple, also from Yorkshire, have been the next confirmed victims from the bomb blast.
The children of Marcin and Angelika Klis, from York, released a picture of their parents to try and trace them after the attack. Tragically, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski has confirmed they have received information that both have died.
Their children, who they were picking up from the concert, are said to be safe. Many thoughts for their children today. We can’t possibly begin to imagine what they must be going through.
Manchester suicide bomber "likely" to have not acted alone
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said it is “likely” that suicide bomber Salman Abedi did not act alone.
This comes as the terror threat is raised to “critical”, meaning another attack may be “imminent”.
Another victim is announced
Another of Monday night’s victims was from Yorkshire, it’s been announced this morning.
Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, died in the blast at the MEN arena on Monday night. Kelly, 32, had been at the concert with her sister and niece. Our thoughts are with all of Kelly’s family and friends at such a terrible time.
Your Examiner front page
Here is the Examiner’s front page this morning, with our interview with a Waterloo mum who was caught up in Monday night’s attack.
We are standing strong with Manchester.
West Yorkshire Police - latest statement as terror threat raised to "critical"
Good morning all, we have an update this morning from West Yorkshire Police following Monday night’s terror attack in Manchester.
This is from Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams. She said:
“I know many people in our communities will have been following the news updates after the tragic events in Manchester on Monday night and heard that the UK terror threat level has been raised to state CRITICAL.
“This means an attack in the UK is expected imminently. This could happen anywhere in the UK and, at this time, there is no specific information about West Yorkshire.
“We’ve already said in earlier updates that we have increased high visibility police patrols across West Yorkshire and this has included more firearms officers at key locations to provide community reassurance. We continue to work with our partners and other emergency services in these difficult times.
“This is why we are here – to protect the communities we serve – and we remain as determined as ever to keep you safe. It’s what we are trained for and what we do best.
“The raising of the threat also means that we can, if required, call on military assistance to help us keep the communities of West Yorkshire safe. People may be expecting soldiers to be patrolling the streets today. This will not be the immediate case. The option of calling on military support is one I am constantly considering.
“I of course understand people’s concern at this time but we are doing everything we can. I would urge the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police by calling the confidential anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency always dial 999.
“There are a number of large-scale public events taking place across West Yorkshire in the coming days and later today England host South Africa in a one-day cricket match at Headingley. There will be a significant policing presence at the ground and at other key sites including Leeds Bradford International Airport.
“Moving forward we continue to offer policing support to our colleagues in Greater Manchester Police and wish to share our condolences and thoughts with the victims and their families affected by the tragic events of Monday evening.”
