Updated 09:20
World leaders have been condemning the terror attack at the Manchester Arena, which has left at least 22 people dead and more than 50 injured.
Police say a lone male attacker carrying an improvised explosive device was responsible for the bombing at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.
Investigators are trying to establish whether the attacker - who died at the scene - was part of a wider network.
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins has confirmed that a number of children are among the dead.
US President Donald Trump has offered his "prayers to the people of Manchester" and said America stands in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.
Pres. Trump extends condolences to Manchester victims. "So many young, beautiful, innocent people…murdered by evil losers in life." pic.twitter.com/j2QzHcS13D
— ABC News (@ABC) May 23, 2017
"So many young, beautiful, innocent people living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil losers in life," he said.
"I won't call them monsters, because they would like that term. They would think that is a great name."
"I will call them from now on 'losers,' because that is what they are - losers."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent Theresa May a telegram of condolences following the attack in Manchester.
"We strongly condemn this cynical, inhuman crime. We are certain its perpetrators will not escape the punishment they deserve," he said, according to the Kremlin website.
President Putin said Russia was ready to build up counter terrorist cooperation with the UK and expressed his support for the families and relatives of those caught up in the attack.
US President Donald Trump – who is currently in Israel on his first foreign tour since taking office – is expected to comment within the next hour, however his press secretary Sean Spicer has tweeted a quote in the last few minutes, apparently attributable to the president:
.@POTUS "This wicked ideology must be obliterated"
— Sean Spicer (@PressSec) May 23, 2017
French President Emmanuel Macron said his thoughts are with "the British people, the victims and their loved ones" and pledged to stand beside Britain in the fight against terrorism:
J'adresse mes pensées au peuple britannique, aux victimes et à leurs proches. Nous menons ensemble le combat contre le terrorisme.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 23, 2017
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has tweeted his condolences to victims of the attack and their families:
Our thoughts & prayers are with the victims, their families & all those affected by the atrocity in Manchester. We are heartbroken for all.
— Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) May 23, 2017
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has offered his sympathies to all those affected by “last night’s heinous attack in Manchester":
"To attack a group of young people in such a cowardly way is simply abhorrent to the vast majority of people in Ireland, and I know that the people of Ireland stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester,” he said.
"As a parent, I find this attack exceptionally difficult to comprehend, and while details are limited at present, it's clear that whoever orchestrated this attack cares little for basic decency and humanity.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones as a result of this barbaric act in Manchester.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 23, 2017
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her thoughts are with the victims of “this barbaric attack:”
First Minister statement on incident in Manchester https://t.co/NIrF6B2iFH
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) May 23, 2017
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken of the shock felt by his fellow countryman and people all over the world:
"Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims & their families in your thoughts," he said.
Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims & their families in your thoughts.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 23, 2017
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the attack was “especially vile, especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers.”
Our heartfelt sympathy and resolute solidarity is with the people of the United Kingdom. Full statement here: https://t.co/FwtDITvVU9 pic.twitter.com/KYo72xl7P7
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) May 23, 2017
"This is an attack on innocents. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children,” he said.
"This is a direct and brutal attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere."
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Bill English said his thoughts are “with the people of Manchester” following the tragedy.
My thoughts are with the people of Manchester following today’s tragedy.
— Bill English (@pmbillenglish) May 23, 2017
