Manchester police confirmed that the Monday’s attack (22 May) during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena claimed lives of at least 22 people including children. The attacker, who died at the arena, was identified as a 22-year-old British citizen living a short drive from the concert hall. The police believe that he was not acting alone but ongoing negotiations have revealed that he was likely part of a network. The attack was the deadliest terror incident in Great Britain since the 2005 London bombings, which killed 52 people.
British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday night (23 May) raised the nation’s threat level to “critical” – the highest possible – and said there is a risk of other ‘imminent’ attacks. She deployed the military to guard concerts, sports matches, and other public events. As a result, thousands of British troops are being deployed in the streets, replacing police officers in guarding key sites. Mrs. May also said that the measure was “a proportionate and sensible response to the threat that our security experts judge we face.”
Federica Mogherini, the head of European diplomacy, has expressed condolences to the loved ones of the victims and the citizens of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union. She said that the victims were very young people, which points to the fact that the Manchester bombing was a clear attack on the European youth and their love of life. She added that despite the terror, fear will not prevail and young Europeans will continue to value their joy, love of life and their living together.
