Taoiseach offers condolences to victims and families affected by Manchester terror attack

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Foreign Affairs Minister Charlier Flanagan has offered their condolences to the victims and families affected by the terror attack at Manchester Arena last night.

Twenty-two people were killed and 59 wounded in an explosion at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande in the Manchester Arena. Grande had played to thousands of fans in Dublin on Saturday night.

British police say the attack was carried out by one man who died at the arena. The attacker was carrying a device which he detonated.

Children are among those killed.

In a statement released this morning Mr Kenny said: "The vile acts carried out in Manchester last night are a reminder of the depravity of the views held by the few.

"Those beliefs have no place in our society.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this atrocity. I am heartbroken for all.

"The city of Manchester has exceptionally close ties with our country and I extend the solidarity of the Irish Government and all our people to those affected across the UK."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has also expressed sympathy for those affected by the terror incident in Manchester.

Mr Flanagan said his Department is not at this time aware of any Irish citizens affected.

In a statement, Mr Flanagan said anyone with concerns for family and friends can contact the Consular Division of his department on 353 1 408 2000.

https://twitter.com/CharlieFlanagan/status/866872217656860672

Greater Manchester Police said a lone suicide bomber was responsible for the attack. The number of deaths has now been updated to 22.

The latest statement (below) by the Police was released after 7.30am.

https://twitter.com/gmpolice/status/866905693810569216

https://youtu.be/jLd0d1-jvrw

The Chief Constable Ian Hopkins of Greater Manchester Police provided an update following an explosion that is being described as a terror attack as well as a potential suicide bombing.