POLICE have confirmed 22 people have died after an explosion hit Manchester Arena during a pop concert.

Witnesses reported hearing a "huge bang" at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig.

GMP Chief Constable Ian 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.

“This is a fast-moving investigation and we have significant resources deployed to both the investigation and the visible patrols that people will see across Greater Manchester as they wake up to news of the events last night.

"This will include armed officers as people would expect. More than 400 officers have been involved in this operation during the night."

Greater Manchester Police have set up an emergency number for those concerned about friends or family in the area.

Please call 0161 856 9400 if you have any concerns.

Northwich Guardian:

Manchester Victoria is closed and train operator Northern says it is likely to be closed all day

Other services are running to Manchester Piccadilly.

Those at the concert were told to run from the area by armed police after leaving the arena.

Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs and what sounded like gunshots just after the entertainment had finished.

Northwich Guardian:

Suzy Mitchell, 26, whose flat is opposite the venue, reported a huge bang rocking the neighbourhood.

She told the Press Association: "(I) just heard a huge bang from my bed, came out to the front of my apartments (we're on the top floor so have perfect view) and everyone was running away in big crowds.

"The bang was so big I heard it from my room which is at the back of the apartment blocks.

"Currently lots of emergency services going to and from. But can't see anything substantial as of yet except fleeing people and lots of cars."

One fan at the concert described how the explosion hit the venue as fans were leaving the building.

Dawn Price was at the concert with her daughter and their friends.

She said: "I'm really shaken and can't process what happened as so many people were there with children.

"There was a big bang just as it finished and everyone started to run back into the arena.

"Then seconds later people started to run back in from another exit."

Witnesses reported helicopters were circling above the scene after reports of the blast.

If you were at the concert email james.wilson@nqnw.co.uk

"WE stand together."

That is the message following the horrific terror attack at a pop concert which killed 22 people, including children and teenagers. 

We are backing the Manchester Evening News' fundraising appeal, launched for the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack.

We and other Newsquest titles across the country are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Trinity Mirror-owned newspaper, whose online campaign topped £1m within 24 hours.

The newspaper’s original target of £250,000 was broken within hours of its JustGiving page being set up and the £500,000 and £750,000 marks were also soon passed.

The MEN has urged other newspapers, websites and media to call on their readers to back its appeal and we have pledged support without hesitation.

MEN editor in chief Rob Irvine said: "The response of the public in Greater Manchester and across the country has been amazing. So many people want to help.

"We have also been moved by the number of papers and websites who have rallied round Manchester, with messages of support on newspaper front pages and website home pages.

"We would be so pleased if our fellow journalists could ask their readers to help the appeal. The Red Cross will make sure the support gets quickly to the families affected. Many of the victims of the attack came from across the UK and they can all be supported."

Donations to the MEN’S appeal can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westandtogethermanchester