“Public safety is our priority” – Dorset Police 'stand with Manchester colleagues' after terror attack

Last night, a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester.

Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena.

Announcing that the death toll had risen overnight, Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said: "What I can confirm is that there are children among the deceased."

He 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."

Mr Hopkins said investigators believed the attack was conducted by one man who died at the scene, although detectives are working to establish if he "was acting alone or as part of a network".

Police were called to reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena at 10.33pm, shortly after US singer Ariana Grande had finished her performance.

Victims described being thrown by the blast that scattered nuts and bolts across the floor.

Superintendent Mike Rogers, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the events in Manchester and our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives.

“Dorset Police stand with Greater Manchester Police and other forces across the country. Public safety is our priority and we have a variety of established operational tactics that are regularly used to ensure that our local communities and businesses are both well prepared and protected.

“Our aim is to reduce the risk to the public and maximise public awareness. As is normal practice, we are in touch with national anti-terrorism coordinators.

“At this time there has been no change to the threat level in the UK but this is reviewed on a national basis and Dorset Police will, if necessary, respond accordingly. We regularly review intelligence and information and would like to reassure the public that at this time there is no specific threat to Dorset. The public should be alert but not alarmed.

“The advice remains the same – members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.”