May 23 (UPI) — British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday said the Manchester Arena bombing in which 22 people died was a “callous terrorist attack” targeting children.
While speaking in front of the 10 Downing Street prime minister’s headquarters, May said a “single terrorist” detonated an improvised explosive device near an exit after the conclusion of a concert attended by families and many children at about 10:30 p.m. Monday at the arena, “deliberately choosing the time and place to cause maximum carnage and to kill and injure indiscriminately.”
“It is now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester and of this country have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack. An attack that targeted some of the youngest people in our society with cold calculation,” May said in a statement. “This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom, 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.”
The Greater Manchester Police said officers arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester in “regards to last night’s incident at the Manchester arena.”
May said the attacker also died in the bombing. Out of the 59 people being treated in eight Manchester hospitals, many are in life-threatening condition, May said.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said authorities are working to determine whether the bomber was acting alone or as part of a network.
Panicked spectators fled Manchester Arena after what several concertgoers described as a huge explosion after the last song performed by American singer Ariana Grande. The arena, built in 1995, has a capacity of 21,000 spectators but it is not yet clear how many people attended the show.
May chaired a meeting of the British government’s emergency Cobra committee prior to delivering her statement and is expected to visit Manchester later on Tuesday.
“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice — deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people, who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives,” May said.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the city will hold a vigil at Albert Square starting at 6 p.m. for the victims Tuesday night.
“We will never be beaten,” Burnham said.
The Manchester Arena bombing is the worst attack in Britain since the July 7, 2015, bombings in which 52 people were killed.
Out of respect for the victims, May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn agreed to suspend campaigning for Britain’s June 8 general election until further notice.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May calls Manchester attack “callous terrorist attack…that targeted some of the youngest people in our society.” pic.twitter.com/qTrbyz8LaK— ABC News (@ABC) May 23, 2017
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