Reports of the explosion first came in around 22:30 pm local time, according to police, at an arena with the capacity hold up to 21,000. If the incident is confirmed as a terror attack it will be the largest such event in Britain since July 2005 when 52 people were killed after four militants detonated themselves in London's transport system.
As fear of terror attacks by extremists continue to rise in Europe, the explosion may have political consequences, as it comes two and a half week before an featuring right wing Prime Minister Theresa May, who opinion polls project to win by wide margins. Campaigning for the upcoming election has been suspended in light of the incident.
May released a statement saying,"We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack. All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected."
