Flights from Manchester are continuing to operate following last night’s deadly bombing at an Ariana Grande concert, although the area around Manchester Arena remains cordoned off.
The BBC reports that at least 22 people, including an eight-year-old-girl, were killed in last night’s suicide bombing, which came at the end of the concert, making it the deadliest terror attack on British soil since the 2005 London bombings. At least 59 more were injured. Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack.
The UK’s Prime Minister told the BBC that it is “now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester and of this country have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack.”
According to CNN, police believe that a man carrying explosives acted as a lone attacker in carrying out the bombing, and that they are now attempting to determine if he may have been part of a wider terrorist network. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it has not offered any evidence to support this claim, and police told CNN that the organization routinely claims attacks that it does not have any proven links with.
Travel Updates
According to a statement from Manchester Airport, flights are continuing to operate as normal.
“Following last night’s tragic event at the Manchester Arena, our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” the statement read. “Flights are operating as normal but we ask passengers to be extra vigilant. If you see anything suspicious please report it to the police or a member of staff.”
In terms of local transportation, the Manchester Evening News reports that the city’s second largest railway station, Victoria, will remain closed off for the rest of the day as a cordon remains in place around the Arena.
Last night’s attack follows a March incident in which a terrorist in London drove a 4x4 into a crowd of people walking on Westminster Bridge before crashing into the gates of the House of Commons.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for further updates to this developing story.