A terrorist attack has killed 22 people at the Manchester Arena.
The incident took place at 10.33pm on Monday night following a concert held by American pop star Ariana Grande.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a man carried out the attack with an improvised explosive device and died at the scene.
The force has arrested a 23-year-old in connection with the attack, which saw a number of children among the deceased.
North West Ambulance Service confirmed that there were 22 fatalities while a further 59 people have been taken to hospital for treatment on injuries.
Take That have cancelled their scheduled show at the ACC Liverpool Arena in the wake of the atrocities in their native Manchester.
The RMT union has also postponed its plans to stage a 24-hour strike across the Merseyside rail network on May 30 in the wake of the atrocities.
Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Manchester while all political parties have agreed to suspend their campaigning for the General Election as a mark of respect.
She said: “This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the UK and although it is not the first time Manchester has suffered in this way, it is the worst attack the city has experienced and the worst ever to hit the north of England.
“We know that a single terrorist detonated his improvised explosive device near one of the exits of the venue, deliberately choosing the time and place to cause maximum carnage and to kill and injure indiscriminately.
“The explosion coincided with the conclusion of a pop concert that was attended by many young families and groups of children.”
An emergency phone number has been set up for anyone concerned about loved ones that might have been in the area at the time of the blast: 0161 856 9400.