Prime Minister Theresa May has condemned the events in Manchester last night, calling the incident a “callous terrorist attack”.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister confirmed a number of details surrounding the attack, while denouncing the “sickening cowardice” of the attacker.
“It is now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester and of this country have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack,” she said. “An attack that targeted some of the youngest people in our society, with cold calculation.
“This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the UK and although it is not the first time Manchester has suffered in this way, it is the worst attack the city has experienced and the worst ever to hit the north of England.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May calls Manchester attack "callous terrorist attack…that targeted some of the youngest people in our society.” pic.twitter.com/qTrbyz8LaK
— ABC News (@ABC) May 23, 2017
In the statement, the Prime Minister confirmed that a single terrorist detonated an improvised explosive device near one of the exits of Manchester Arena, “deliberately choosing the time and place to cause maximum carnage.”
“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people but this attack stands out for its appalling sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.”
Following her statement, the Prime Minister left 10 Downing Street to go to Manchester.
Number 10 also confirmed that the government was not planning to raise the national threat level from “severe” to “critical”.
