Hyndburn has expressed its grief and sorrow towards the victims of the horrific Manchester Arena terror attack.

At least 22 people have been killed and 59 injured after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena.

Thousands of gig-goers were packed into the venue to see American singer Ariana Grande when the explosion happened.

Multiple witnesses reported hearing “huge bangs” at the venue shortly after the US singer’s gig finished at around 10.30pm on Monday evening.

The area around the arena was swamped with police and emergency services and approach roads were cordoned off.

Minutes later eyewitnesses described seeing people “running and screaming” from the arena, with some covered in blood.

Greater Manchester Police say that children are among the dead.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said it was believed that the attacker - who died at the scene - was carrying an improvised explosive device.

Hyndburn Fire Station spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident in Manchester last night and with all of the emergency services who responded.”

Accrington Stanley posted on Twitter: “Our thoughts this morning are with all that have been affected with the events in Manchester last night.”

Hyndburn Labour parliamentary candidate Graham Jones said: "Horrific events in Manchester last night. An event attended by young families. Devastating. Heartbreaking. Hard to find words.

"Hard to comprehend. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and also the emergency services at this time.

"All campaigning at every level including leafleting and canvassing has been suspended out of respect. Regrettably I can't stop a Royal Mail delivery this morning.

"The news coming through of the victims is just awful."

Kevin Horkin, the Conservative candidate for Hyndburn, also expressed his sympathy and called for an immediate cessation of election campaigning.

He said: "Our hearts go out to the innocent victims of this atrocity and our sympathy and support to their families and friends at this dreadful time. For the emergency services who dealt with this terrible event we express our admiration and support."

Mayor of Hyndburn Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "All our thoughts and prayers here in Hyndburn go out to the victims, families and friends of those caught up in last nights shocking bomb outrage at the MEN Arena.
"These are difficult days and it is so easy for those with murder in their hearts to choose soft targets like these innocent people leaving a concert.
"These terrorists must never be allowed to succeed and we all need to be more vigilant than ever at this very sad time. It is almost impossible to believe that this could happen just 22 short miles away."

A Rishton St Peter and St Paul’s Parish Church spokesperson said: “Prayers for those killed and injured in Manchester last night, for those who mourn and those who strive to bring healing and comfort.”

Norden High School and Sports College in Rishton posted on their Facebook page: “Our thoughts are with those affected by the attack in Manchester. If any of our pupils needs support today, please see a member of staff.”

Swarms of armed police were joined by a bomb disposal unit as teams from across the region worked to secure the area and help the injured.

Greater Manchester’s new mayor Andy Burnham described last night’s atrocity as ‘an evil act’ and echoed council leader Sir Richard Leese in saying that Manchester will pull together ‘because that’s what we do’.

Were you or one of your loved ones at the concert? Call our newsdesk on 0161 211 2977 or contact us at accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk.

Time Line

Manchester Arena terror attack

  1. 6pm, Monday, May 22

    Doors open at Manchester Arena in the north of the city centre. US pop singer Ariana Grande is on the bill for a sell-out concert at the 21,000-capacity venue. Fans, many of them teenage girls, excitedly share selfies as they wait for the show to begin.

  2. 10.31pm, Monday, May 22

    Multiple reports of an explosion heard inside the Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert.

  3. 10.33pm, Monday May 22

    Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the venue at around 10.33pm and closed roads around the area.

  4. 12am, Tuesday, May 23

    A heavy presence of armed police officers and other emergency services is visible in the area surrounding Manchester Arena and Victoria Station

  5. Police declare major incident

    After confirming there were 'a number of fatalities and several injured', police confirmed a major incident.

  6. 12.20am, Tuesday, May 23

    A bomb disposal unit was seen arriving at the scene. A controllled explosion was later carried out in Cathedral Gardens, but officers confirmed that it was abandoned clothing, not a suspicious item.

  7. US singer Ariana Grande confirmed safe

    Ariana Grande's spokesperson confirmed the singer is safe following the explosion at Manchester Arena.

  8. 12.43am, Tuesday, May 23

    Scores of patients were rushed into A&E at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Hospitals later reported being overwhelmed and said they could only treat the most seriously injured.

  9. 19 dead, 50 injured in 'terror attack'

    GMP have released a statement. It says: "So far 19 people have been confirmed dead, with around 50 others injured. This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise."

  10. 1.37am, Tuesday, May 23

    Those at Wythenshawe A&E department described scenes of 'chaos' in the major trauma unit as dozens of patients arrived at the hospital. Again, they were asked to make way for serious emergencies.

  11. 1.50am, Tuesday, May 23

    Facebook switched on its 'safety check' feature for Manchester after the explosion.

    It allows users to connect with friends and loved ones during a crisis.

  12. 1.55am, Tuesday, May 23

    National Rail said Victoria Station will remain closed all day on Tuesday. The station was evacuated earlier and all lines were closed.

  13. 2.15am, Tuesday, May 23

    Prime Minister Theresa May said her thoughts are with the victims and families of those affected in "what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack".

  14. 2.30am, Tuesday, May 23

    Theresa May suspended her General Election campaign. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron also cancelled a planned campaign trip to Gibraltar. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said it was a “terrible incident”

  15. 2.40am, Tuesday, May 23

    The Government will hold an emergency Cobra committee later on Tuesday.

  16. 3.00am, Tuesday, May 23

    GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins held a press conference during which he confirmed that 19 people have died and 50 others were injured.

  17. 3.05am, Tuesday, May 23

    An emergency hotline has been set up for anyone worried about their friends and relatives. It is 0161 856 9400.

  18. 4.00am, Tuesday, May 23

    Northern Rail say Victoria Station was to remain closed all day on Tuesday.

    It is unlikely to re-open until Wednesday morning at the earliest.

  19. 6.15am, Tuesday, May 23

    Council leader Sir Richard Leese said there is no intelligence to suggest there is a further threat to Manchester.

    There will be a heavy armed police presence in the city centre today.

  20. 6.45am, Tuesday, May 23

    GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins confirms 22 people were killed in the attack, including children.

    The attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber.

  21. 9.00am, Tuesday, May 23

    US President Donald Trump expresses his "deepest condolences" and calls those responsible "evil losers".

  22. 11.00am, Tuesday, May 23

    After chairing a Cobra meeting, Prime Minister Theresa May says the attacker has been identified by security services, but does not release details. She says the "callous" attack was "among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom".

  23. 12.00pm, Tuesday, May 23

    GMP says it has arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester in connection with the incident

  24. 12.04pm, Tuesday, May 23

    18-year-old Georgina Bethany Callander is named as the first victim in the Manchester terror attack. She'd been enjoying the concert with her friends at the time of the blast, caused by a lone suicide bomber.

  25. 12.12pm, Tuesday, May 23

    The Queen releases a statement expressing her "deepest sympathy" to all those affected by the explosion, adding that the whole nation had been shocked by the "death and injury".

  26. 12.15pm, Tuesday, May 23

    The Arndale shopping centre was evacuated while police investigated a suspicious item and made sure the area was safe. It was re-opened soon after. A heavy armed police presence was also reported at the Trafford Centre in the wake of the bomb attack.

  27. 1.00pm, Tuesday, May 23

    Islamic State claims responsibility for the atrocity

  28. 1.30pm, Tuesday, May 23

    Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos was killed in the attack. Saffie, believed to be from Tarleton, near Preston in Lancashire, had been at the Ariane Grande concert with her mum Lisa Roussos and sister Ashlee Bromwich when the explosion happened.

  29. 2.00pm, Tuesday, May 23

    GMP say they have executed warrants at addresses in Whalley Range, and one in Fallowfield where they carried out a controlled explosion.

  30. 1.55pm, Tuesday, May 23

    26-year-old John Atkinson was named as the third victim of the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena. It’s understood Mr Atkinson, from Radcliffe , had been leaving the Ariana Grande concert at the venue when it was targeted by the suicide bomber.

  31. 3.15pm, Tuesday, May 23

    Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in Manchester and visited the GMP headquarters in Newton Heath for a meeting with Chief Constable Ian Hopkins. Speaking after her meeting, she condemned the attacks as being "absolutely barbaric".

  32. 3.30pm, Tuesday, May 23

    Ambulance chiefs confirm almost 120 people were injured in the attack at Manchester Arena. It said paramedics treated 60 walking wounded i the city centre on Monday night, on top of the 59 serious trauma victims being treated in hospitals.

  33. 3.40pm, Tuesday, May 23

    A vigil is announced for Albert Square at 6pm - a peaceful tribute to the 22 confirmed dead and 59 injured in the city’s worst ever terror atrocity.

  34. 4.00PM, Tuesday, May 23

    Flowers begin to be left in Manchester city centre in memory of all those who have lost their lives.

  35. 4.10PM, Tuesday, May 23

    Family and friends of Cheshire schoolgirl Nell Jones, 14, who hasn’t been seen since the terror attack, issued desperate appeals to find her.

  36. 4.30PM, Tuesday May 23

    The suspected bomber is identified for the first time as Salman Abedi, from reports originating in the US, as Prime Minister Theresa May makes a private visit to Manchester Children’s Hospital.

  37. 5.00PM, Tuesday May 23

    Take That postpone their final three shows due to take place at Manchester Arena. The band decide not to go ahead with gigs on May 25, 26 and 27.

  38. 5.20PM, Tuesday May 23

    The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, names suspected bomber as Salman Abedi, 22, and calls for Greater Manchester to stand together against hate crime.

  39. 5.30PM, Tuesday May 23

    It's announced that Manchester Victoria railway station will remain closed for ‘several days’.

  40. 6.00PM, Tuesday May 23

    Barrack Obama posts a message on Twitter saying ‘Americans will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of the UK’.

  41. 6.10PM, Tuesday May 23

    Thousands gather at Albert Square for a peaceful vigil of solidarity. Jeremy Corbyn, Sajid Javid, Amber Rudd, Andy Burnham take to the stage alongside faith leaders as councillor Eddy Newman, Lord Mayor of Manchester, praises incredible turnout.

  42. 7.00PM, Tuesday May 23

    Further details begin to emerge about terror suspect Salman Abedi. He was born in Manchester and is believed to be of Libyan descent. Abedi was registered as living at Elsmore Road in the city as recently as last year - where police raided a downstairs red-bricked semi-detached property on Tuesday as they hunted those thought to be behind the blast.Neighbours recalled an abrasive, tall, skinny young man who was little known in the neighbourhood, and often seen in traditional Islamic clothing.

  43. 7.33PM, Tuesday May 23

    Scottish teenager Laura MacIntyre, 15, who was reported missing after the Manchester terror attack, is confirmed as being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

  44. 7.50PM, Tuesday May 23

    The M.E.N. reveals that a device packed with nuts and bolts was used to inflict maximum injury in the Manchester Arena bomb attack. We understand, from several sources, that many of the casualties who survived were left with metal fragments and full bolts embedded in their limbs.

  45. 8.00PM, Tuesday May 23

    It is confirmed that suicide bomber Salman Abedi had been a student at Salford Universirty.

    He studied on a business and management course at Salford University two or three years ago, a source told The Press Association, but dropped out.

  46. 9.42PM, Tuesday May 23

    Prime Minister Theresa May increases the UK terror threat level from severe to critical. This means a further attack may be imminent.

    The Prime Minister said that investigations are continuing into whether or not the suicide bomber was was working alone.

    However Mrs May said there is a possibility that there is a wider group of individuals linked to attack ‘which we cannot ignore’.

  47. 10.38PM, Tuesday May 23

    The fourth victim of the the Manchester Arena ‘suicide bombing’ has been named as young Merseyside girl Megan Hurley.

    A fundraising page has been set up in the name of the schoolgirl to help raise funds for her family to give her a funeral, the Liverpool Echo reports.

  48. 6.53AM, Wednesday May 24

    The names of three more victims of the attack had been confirmed overnight.

    The mother of Olivia Campbell, aged 15, from Bury, confirmed she was killed in the attack on Monday, May 22.

    Two mums, from Royton, in Oldham, have also been named as victims.

    Alison Howes, 45, and Lisa Lees, 47, were waiting to collect their teenage daughters in the foyer when the blast went off.

  49. 7.39AM, Wednesday May 24

    The Polish foreign minister confirms that Angelika and Marcin Klis were killed in the attack.

    The couple are thought to have been living in York and were waiting outside the arena to pick up their two daughters.

    A tweet, translated from Polish, said: “Please note that among the deaths in #Manchester at least two citizens, and one was wounded.

    “We are in pain with family and loved ones of the victims and sincere sympathy. Consuls surrounded their care.”

  50. 8.13AM, Wednesday May 24

    Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirms Salman Abedi was known “up to a point” to the intelligence services and he had recently returned from Libya.

  51. 8.46AM, Wednesday May 24

    A senior NHS official has confirmed 20 people are critically injured, out of the 64 being treated.

  52. 10.21AM, Wednesday May 24

    Martyn Hett, 29, is confirmed as a victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack.

    Martyn, from Heaton Moor, was not seen or heard from following the explosion. It is believed he left his seat to go to the bar around 20 minutes before the blast.

  53. 10.32AM, Wednesday May 24

    Police say three men have been arrested following raids in south Manchester.

  54. 12.11PM, Wednesday May 24

    Greater Manchester Police have said they now know the identities of all the victims of the Manchester Arena attack

    All of the families have been contacted and specially trained officers are supporting them.

  55. 12.27PM, Wednesday May 24

    Nell Jones, 14, of Goostrey, is the latest victim of the Manchester Arena bombing.

  56. 12.31PM, Wednesday May 24

    Burnage Academy for Boys has released a statement after it was revealed Salman Abedi was a former pupil. The school said: "We are a Manchester school. We feel the pain that Manchester feels. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Mancunian’s against terrorism in all forms."

  57. 12.36PM, Wednesday May 24

    Police, and what are though to be special forces, carry out a raid at a block of flats on Granby Row in Manchester city centre.

  58. 2.13PM, Wednesday May 24

    A ‘bubbly and kind’ school receptionist has been named as one of the 22 people killed in the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

    Mum-of-three Jane Tweddle was confirmed to be among the dead by colleagues at South Shore Academy, in Blackpool, this afternoon.

  59. 2.44PM, Wednesday May 24

    The M.E.N. reveals that police believe the man who made the Manchester Arena bomb is still at large.

  60. 3.00PM, Wednesday May 24

    Chief Constable Ian Hopkins confirms that four people are in custody in connection with the attack.

  61. 3.08PM, Wednesday May 24

    The father of the Manchester Arena attacker denies his son is linked to militants.

    Ramadan Abedi says he spoke to his 22-year-old son, Salman Abedi, five days ago and he was getting ready to visit Saudi Arabia and sounded “normal.”

  62. 4.46PM, Wednesday May 24

    Police make an arrest on Upper Dicconson Street in Wigan. The suspect is believed to have been carrying a package.

    GMP confirm the arrest was made in connection with the Manchester suicide bomb attack.

  63. 5.08PM, Wednesday May 24

    Hashem Abedi, the younger brother of the Manchester attacker, is arrested in Tripoli on suspicion of Islamic State links

  64. 5.13PM, Wednesday May 24

    Cheshire Police confirm an off-duty officer was killed in the attack.

    This is later confirmed as being Elaine McIver.

  65. 5.16PM, Wednesday May 24

    A multi-faith vigil is held at St Ann's Square. Faith leaders held hands and paused for a moment of silence in a show of defiance

  66. 5.52PM, Wednesday May 24

    The father of Salman Abedi has been arrested in Tripoli according to ITV and the Bloomberg news agency.

    Ramadan Abedi - who had spoken earlier today from Libya to protest his son’s innocence - was giving a further interview when he was arrested by Libyan police.

  67. 6.15PM, Wednesday May 24

    After much discussion it is confirmed that Sunday’s Great Manchester Run will go ahead as planned.

  68. 6.23PM, Wednesday May 24

    Firefighters have spoken of their “shame” after they tell the M.E.N. they were being held back by bosses from helping victims of the Arena bomb.

    No crews arrived at the scene until 90 minutes after the 10.33 attack.

  69. 6.57PM, Wednesday May 24

    Ariana Grande has suspended her current tour following the bomb attack at Manchester Arena on Monday night, according to reports.

    She had been due to perform at the O2 Arena on Thursday and Friday.

  70. 7.22PM, Wednesday May 24

    Armed forces carry out a raid at a block of flats in Blackley.

    One witness says 12 police vans, around 45 police officers, a number of armed police and the bomb squad attended the block at Broadmoss Drive. Police confirm one woman was arrested in connection with the Manchester attack.

  71. 10.45pm, Wednesday May 24

    Greater Manchester Police conform they have arrested a man in Nuneaton.

    It brings the total number of arrests since the attack to seven.

  72. 12.40AM, Thursday May 25

    It is confirmed that Liam Curry, 19, and Chloe Rutherford, 17, died in the Manchester bombing.

  73. 1.45AM, Thursday May 25

    Counter-terror police carry out a controlled explosion as they searched a property on Lindum Street, Moss Side.

    GMP confirmed another search of an address had taken place, although there were no reports of any further arrests.

  74. 6.16AM, Thursday May 25

    Police say a man was arrested following a raid at a property on Egerton Crescent, Withington, overnight.

  75. 6.52AM, Thursday May 25

    Eilidh MacLeod, 14, is the latest victim to be named.

    Eilidh , from Scotland, had travelled more than 400 miles to watch her idol perform with riend Laura MacIntyre, 15.

  76. 9.16AM, Thursday May 25

    Police investigating the Manchester Arena bombing have stopped passing information to the US following major evidence leaks.

  77. 9.57AM, Thursday May 25

    Former primary school teacher Wendy Fawell, from Otley, West Yorkshire, is confirmed as another victim of the Manchester attack.

    The 50-year-old had been at the Arena with her daughter.

  78. 10.34AM, Thursday May 25

    Police and army are called to an area near Castlefield Campus, on Limby Street, Hulme. There were fears over a suspicious package but it is deemed safe.

  79. 11AM, Thursday May 25

    A minute's silence is held across the country in memory of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack.

  80. 11.38AM, Thursday May 25

    NHS England say there has been 116 people who have received treatment.
    Of these, 75 were taken to hospital and remain currently admitted - and 23 of them are currently classed as being in ‘critical care’.

  81. 11.40AM, Thursday May 25

    The Queen visits the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to meet staff and people injured by the attack at the Manchester Arena.

  82. 12.10PM, Thursday May 25

    GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins says that there are eight people in custody, and that the arrests are “significant”.

    He said that searches of properties will continue over the coming days.

  83. 3.50PM, Thursday May 25

    All the major roads surrounding Manchester Arena re-open to traffic.

    Victoria Approach is the only road to still remain closed to traffic.

  84. 4.47PM, Thursday May 25

    The bomb disposal unit arrives at a property on Egerton Crescent in Withington.

    A police raid took place at the property earlier today.

  85. 6.00PM, Thursday May 25

    More than £4 million is raised for the victims of the attack.

    An online appeal set up by the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday prompted more than £1.5 million to be donated to their JustGiving page. Other funds were also set up.

  86. 7.23PM, Thursday May 25

    Police searching a house in Wigan following an arrest a day earlier say they have found 'potentially suspicious items'. Roads are closed, home evacuated and the bomb squad called. The cordon is reopened by 9.30pm.

  87. 6.30AM, Friday May 26

    Counter-terror police carried out fresh raids, searching addresses in Manchester and Merseyside overnight.

    One man was arrested in the Moss Side area of Manchester in the early hours of Friday morning and detectives searched a property in St Helens.

  88. 7.19AM, Friday May 26

    A barber shop on Princess Road in Moss Side is cordoned off by police. It is a separate property to the address where a man was arrested earlier this morning.

  89. 8.30AM, Friday May 26

    Liam Gallagher will play a solo gig at the O2 Ritz in Manchester next week - with all proceeds going to the fund set up for families of the victims of the Manchester Arena bomb attack.

  90. 3PM, Friday, May 26

    Firearms police respond to an incident at the Stretford Mall. Eyewitnesses report seeing officers "lying on the floor with a man".

  91. 3.15PM, Friday, May 26

    GMP confirms that a 28-year-old man was detained in Stretford under terrorism offences but was released without any further action.

  92. 3.30PM, Friday, May 26

    Northern Rail issues a statement saying Victoria Station suffered 'structural damage' during the terror attack and will remain closed until repair work is completed. It said it was unable to estimate when the station will re-open.

  93. 4PM, Friday, May 26

    Britain's top counter-terror officer Mark Rowley says a 'large part of the network behind the Manchester bomb attack has now been arrested'. He says police have made 'immense progress in their investigation'.

  94. 7PM, Friday, May 26

    Plain-clothed police officers swooped on a man on a bus on Oxford Road in Rusholme. They arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of offences contrary to the terrorism act. People describe how police moved quickly. One person said: "There was a swarm of police and they cordoned off the road. I saw plain clothed policemen, uniformed and some in face masks with machine guns."

  95. Saturday morning, May 27

    Police raided a house on Brideoak Street, Cheetham Hill. Two men aged 20 and 22 were held on suspicion of terror offences after officers used an explosive device to gain entry to the property, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

  96. 11AM, Saturday, May 27

    A house was raided on Boscombe Street in Moss Side and people evacuated from their homes. No arrests made.

  97. 2.30PM, Sunday, May 28

    Armed police raid a house on Quantock Close in Moss Side and residents reported hearing explosions. GMP also confirm they have also arrested a 25-year-old man in the Old Trafford area on suspicion of offences contrary to the terrorism act.

  98. 7PM, Sunday, May 28

    Police raid a house on Searby Street, Gorton and a 19-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of terrorist offences.

  99. 7PM, Sunday, May 28

    Police raid a property on Grandale Street in Rusholme at the same time as a property was being searched in Gorton. No arrests are made.

  100. Monday morning, May 29

    Police in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, arrest a 23-year-old man on suspicion of terror offences on Monday morning

  101. Monday morning, May 29

    Cheshire Constabulary in Chester raid a house in connection with the investigation. They say: "This morning’s search is part of the on-going investigation following the attack at Manchester Arena on Monday, 22 May."

  102. 6am, Monday, May 29

    Police raid a house in Whalley Range on Monday morning but no arrests are made. Officers executed a warrant at a house off Montcliffe Crescent on Monday morning.

  103. 1.40pm, Monday, May 29

    Police start conducting searches at a waste disposal site on Pilsworth Road, between Bury and Heywood. Witnesses say they saw four police vans and a number of officers arrive. Officers are scouring the tip.

  104. 4.30pm, Monday, May 29

    Armed police removed a passenger from the 43 bus in Rusholme. The double decker had stopped at the junction with Dagenham Road in the heart of the Curry Mile. Dagenham Road was cordoned off by officers and several GMP vehicles were spotted on the street nearby.