Report: Suicide Bomber Responsible For Explosion At Manchester Arena

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By Russ Read

A suicide bomber was responsible for Monday night’s explosion at U.K.’s Manchester Arena, according to an NBC News report.

The unknown attacker reportedly carried a bomb in a backpack and may have set it off by the venue’s box office as attendees began to stream out of an Ariana Grande concert that night. Two explosions occurred containing nails, according to a CBS report. No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of the writing of this article.

The BBC has confirmed that Britain’s North West Counter Terrorism Unit is treating the incident as a “possible terrorist incident.” Senior counter-terrorism leaders are gathering in London to meet with the U.K.’s Home Office, according to the report.

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The U.K. was on its second highest state of alert at the time of the incident, meaning an attack was “highly likely.”

Authorities conducted a “precautionary controlled explosion” on an item in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens, not far from the arena, after the incident. Officers later confirmed the item was abandoned clothing and not suspicious.

Greater Manchester police have reported the explosion killed at least 19 people and injured approximately 50 more thus far. Many of the victims are believed to be young girls who attended the concert.

This article will be updated as further information becomes available.