Suspected Suicide Bomber in Manchester

Two US officials have stated for Reuters that the perpetrator of the attack in Manchester is suspected to be a suicide bomber.This information comes after a large explosion detonated in Manchester Arena Following an Ariana Grande concert, killing at least 19 people and injuring around 50. The explosion did take place outside of the arena, in a public area. In a statement from Grande’s music label Universal Media Group, the umbrella group for Ariana Grande’s record label, Republic Records, posted on Facebook:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of tonight's devastating event in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.”

This statement did not include any information on Grande's safety or her whereabouts, although a representative for the singer did state that she was unharmed.

A suspected secondary device was found near the scene of the first explosion. A controlled explosion was set off by authorities, but the device was found to be abandoned clothing.Some outlets are reporting that nearby hospitals have stated that the injuries are consistent with a nail bomb, but authorities have not concluded that information.Manchester has been put on lockdown after the incident; trains have been shut down.Up until this point, most of the counter-terror measures in the UK had focused on London, following the devastating attack. Since that incident, there have been other attacks, but none to this scale.Prime Minister Theresa May has released a statement, saying that her thoughts are with the victims of what appears to be an, "appalling terrorist attack." Tory sources stated that her general election campaign has been suspended in the wake of the attack.