Editor’s note: This piece has been updated to reflect developing news.
The Islamic State has issued a statement claiming responsibility for an explosion at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. Shortly after the incident, police announced they were investigating it as a “possible terrorist incident,” according to the BBC and other sources. As of Tuesday morning, the death toll stood at 22, with 50 more injured.
Concertgoers report hearing one or more explosions, just as Grande finished her set at approximately 10:40 p.m. local time. From the New York Times:
The Greater Manchester Police, the British Transport Police, and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit are handling the investigation.
Many eyewitnesses reported they were exiting the venue when the explosion happened.
Grande, who was nominated for two Grammys earlier this year for her album Dangerous Woman, had started the European leg of her tour on May 8. Her fans are largely teenagers, and it’s not unreasonable to assume that many young people are among the dead. CBS News’s David Begnaud reported that “a large group of young girls” were killed.
A spokesman announced the singer was “OK” after the explosion.
Reuters reported that, if confirmed as a terror attack, it would mark the worst such incident in Great Britain since the July 7, 2005, London suicide bombings.
The BBC is posting running updates here. The Guardian is posting updates here.
