Two loud explosions were reported this evening at Manchester Arena by people attending a pop concert by Ariana Grande in an event that Greater Manchester Police is now describing as 'serious'. Members of the public have been advised to avoid the arena. People reportedly fled the stadium after hearing "two loud explosions".
Network Rail has reported that train lines in and out of Manchester are currently blocked.
One Twitter user wrote: "Honestly worst night of my existence. Just kept running from Manchester Arena for my life."
Another added: “Just got out of Manchester arena after seeing Ariana perform. There was a loud bang when the lights came on & everyone ran out screaming.”
Live feed here:
Statement from Manchester Police:
Emergency services responding to serious incident at Manchester Arena. Avoid the area. More details will follow as soon as available
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2017
Video of the scenes form just after the explosion:
#Manchester: Heavy explosions at the #Manchester Arena. There are casualties. Panic and chaos.#England pic.twitter.com/cOZVHQxpxs
— WorldOnAlert (@worldonalert) May 22, 2017
@SkyNews #Manchester please help us???????? pic.twitter.com/qDGjopsmpS
— Justine? (@justinenicoleex) May 22, 2017
@SkyNews When the bang went off #Manchester pic.twitter.com/ZvYzSzrBwc
— Zach Bruce (@Zach_bruce) May 22, 2017
Emergency services have rushed to the scene.
Ambulance crews make their way to Manchester Arena after major incident. Several injuries being treated and police cordon in place. pic.twitter.com/jnNETqfJcM
— Darryl Morris (@darrylmorris) May 22, 2017
Developing...