Latest: 22 dead and 59 injured in Manchester attack

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22 people have died and a further 59 have been injured following two explosions in Manchester Arena last night.

The blasts went off as fans were leaving an Ariana Grande concert and police believe the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber.

Eye witnesses reported hearing ''huge bangs'' shortly after the concert finished at around 10:30 pm on Monday evening.

The area around the venue was quickly cordoned off as police and ambulances arrived at the scene.

Other witnesses described seeing people "running and screaming" from the arena, with some covered in blood.

The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack although no group has yet claimed responsibility. 

This morning Chief constable, Ian Hopkins confirmed that ‘children are among the deceased’.

Ariana Grande took to Twitter late last night to express her condolences for those killed in the attack. 

Anyone with concerns for Irish citizens in Manchester should contact the embassy in London on 00 44 207 235 2171 or the Department in Dublin on 01 408 2000.

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