At least 19 people were killed and more than 50 injured after reports of an explosion in the foyer area of a crowded Manchester concert hall, which left hundreds of people fleeing in terror.

Live Manchester Arena: police confirm 19 dead after explosion at Ariana Grande concert – latest updates Greater Manchester police have warned people to stay away after fatal explosion at pop concert

Police said they were dealing with a possible terror incident which happened at the Manchester Arena, with witnesses claiming to have heard an explosion around 10.40pm. It was feared last night that the death toll may be significant.

Counter-terrorism officials were assessing what caused the explosion. Investigators from the police and the domestic security service MI5 were part of the investigation.

Greater Manchester police said there were a “number of confirmed fatalities and others injured” with scores of emergency service vehicles rushing to the scene.

A concert by the American pop singer Ariana Grande was being staged at the time. Footage from inside the Manchester Arena, which has a 21,000 capacity, shows a crowd containing many young revellers.

Also apparently the world is ending