Reports coming in of an explosion in Manchester

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**jhe90**

All the past 3-4 potential and successful attacks have targeted south and London.

Security would be lighter up north likely as everyone's made fortress London.

Its sadly a bomb plot, this has to go deeper than one person.
Someone had to teach, or help, or something to make this happen. Anyone can buy a knife, but build a bomb, no this is more advanced.

Sad morning. We wake up to these gakholes.

**Marxist artist**

wuestenfux wrote:
That's really a shame.
Problem is in UK, France and Belgium they have their terrorists already in the country, first or second generation.
In Germany, they came from abroad one or two years ago.
Can't tell you what is better.

Nothing is better all terrorist attacks are a waste of lives, and are senseless, my thoughts to anyone involved.

**jhe90**

Marxist artist wrote:
wuestenfux wrote:
That's really a shame.
Problem is in UK, France and Belgium they have their terrorists already in the country, first or second generation.
In Germany, they came from abroad one or two years ago.
Can't tell you what is better.

Nothing is better all terrorist attacks are a waste of lives, and are senseless, my thoughts to anyone involved.

You can deport foreigners, those born here we have to work out what to do with dangerous people doe the rest of there lives. That's a complicated problem.

**Future War Cultist**

My condolences to the victims and their families.

**Minx**

(please delete)

**AlmightyWalrus**

jhe90 wrote:
All the past 3-4 potential and successful attacks have targeted south and London.

Security would be lighter up north likely as everyone's made fortress London.

Its sadly a bomb plot, this has to go deeper than one person.
Someone had to teach, or help, or something to make this happen. Anyone can buy a knife, but build a bomb, no this is more advanced.

Sad morning. We wake up to these gakholes.

Building a bomb our of a pressure cooker and filling it with shrapnel is not that hard, and there's plenty of web pages with all the information needed. Breivik didn't need help to make his 2-ton monster bomb, for instance.

**Frozocrone**

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-40010486/manchester-police-this-was-a-terrorist-attack

GMP stating it was a terrorist attack. Attacker died on scene. They're trying to establish whether it was just a lone individual or part of a network.

**jasper76**

It's sick and cowardly enough to target innocent people of any sort...but children? WTF, any ideology that would drive someone to this madness must be rotten and depraved to the core.

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

A black day for Manchester. Terrible news...

It's a wonderful city, and to see it suffering like this breaks my heart

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

**CptJake**

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

It may have more to do with not having assets for both the investigation and to provide proper security with an increased threat.

**Nostromodamus**

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
A black day for Manchester. Terrible news...

It's a wonderful city, and to see it suffering like this breaks my heart

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

Agreed. Best thing to do is carry on as normal. Don't let these fethers affect us.

I mean, obviously grieve for the lost and support the victims, but don't give the bombers the satisfaction of affecting our routines and plans.

**little-killer**

I don't understand why there is a thread about this on this forum, i mean did you do threads too for paris attacks (wasn't on the forum yet so i don't know).

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

CptJake wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

It may have more to do with not having assets for both the investigation and to provide proper security with an increased threat.

That is true, but on the other hand, we need to send out the powerful message that we won't be running for the hills.

Many have tried to break the spirit of the British people. None have succeeded. We won't hide away from these

It should be business as usual, whilst mourning for the dead...

**Nostromodamus**

little-killer wrote:
I don't understand why there is a thread about this on this forum, i mean did you do threads too for paris attacks (wasn't on the forum yet so i don't know).

There were extensive threads on Paris attacks.

This is the off-topic forum, there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to discuss this event here.

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

little-killer wrote:
I don't understand why there is a thread about this on this forum, i mean did you do threads too for paris attacks (wasn't on the forum yet so i don't know).

We have had threads for all the French terror attacks. I hope and pray that there will be no more threads in future about terrorism in France.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Nostromodamus wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
A black day for Manchester. Terrible news...

It's a wonderful city, and to see it suffering like this breaks my heart

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

Agreed. Best thing to do is carry on as normal. Don't let these fethers affect us.

I mean, obviously grieve for the lost and support the victims, but don't give the bombers the satisfaction of affecting our routines and plans.

Well said.

**Future War Cultist**

Sure we can carry on as normal. And we can do the same after the next one. And the next one after that. And the next one after that. But when do we decide that enough is enough and actually do something about it? Because I for one am sick of it.

**Dreadclaw69**

Death toll now 22, ISIS has claimed responsibility

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40010124

Twenty-two people have been killed and 59 injured in a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.
A lone attacker set off a homemade bomb in the foyer at 22:33 BST on Monday, in what Theresa May called an "appalling, sickening" terrorist act.
Armed police have arrested a 23-year-old man in Chorlton, south Manchester, in connection with the attack.
The first victim has been named as college student Georgina Callander.
The teenager, believed to have been 18, was studying health and social care at Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire.

Victim Georgina Callander was pictured with singer Ariana Grande two years ago
In a statement in Downing Street, the prime minister said it was "now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester and of this country have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack" that targeted "defenceless young people".
She said the security services believe they know the attacker's identity but are not yet able to confirm it.
It is the worst terrorist attack in the UK since the 7 July bombings in 2005 in which 52 people were killed by four suicide bombers.
So-called Islamic State has said it was behind the attack, via IS channels on the messaging app Telegram.

What we know so far
Sixty ambulances went to Manchester Arena after the attack and those wounded are being treated at eight hospitals around the city.
Relatives are using social media to hunt for missing loved ones, and an emergency number - 0161 856 9400 - has been set up.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said it was "the most horrific incident" the city had ever faced, and the "fast-moving investigation" was now working to establish whether the attacker "was acting alone or as part of a network".

In other developments:
The explosion happened shortly after Ariana Grande left the stage and afterwards the 23-year-old actress-turned-singer, tweeted: "broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words"
Flags are flying at half mast outside Number 10 and political parties have suspended general election campaigning.
Theresa May has chaired a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee and is expected to travel to Manchester later
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the police presence in the capital would be stepped up
World leaders have expressed solidarity with the UK, including US President Donald Trump, who called those responsible "evil losers".
Exam boards are telling schools directly affected by the attack that they can re-arrange GCSE and A-level exams in the wake of the attack
Police have established a help centre at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, access Gate 11, for anyone who needs assistance in tracing loved ones
The Queen has expressed her "deepest sympathy" with all those affected, adding that "the whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury"
The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester was briefly evacuated earlier, but has now reopened. A man has been arrested in connection with an incident there
Eyewitnesses at the arena described seeing metal nuts and bolts among the debris, and spoke about the fear and confusion that gripped concert-goers.
Andy Holey, who had gone to the arena to pick up his wife and daughter, said: "An explosion went off and it threw me about 30ft from one set of doors to the other set of doors."
Emma Johnson, who went to pick up her children, aged 15 and 17, told BBC Radio Manchester: "The whole building shook. There was a blast and then a flash of fire afterwards. There were bodies everywhere."
Teenager Abigail Walker, who was at the concert, told the BBC: "I had to make sure I had my sister. I grabbed hold of her and pulled hard. Everyone was running and crying.
"It was absolutely terrifying."
'I looked for my family among the bodies'
Confusion and chaos after explosion
Father's desperate plea to find daughter

Charlotte Campbell's daughter Olivia is among those who have been missing since the concert.
"She's only a 15-year-old girl, she's out there on her own because her friend has been found," she told the BBC.

Analysis: Gordon Corera, BBC security correspondent
The UK threat level has been judged to be severe for nearly three years - which means an attack is considered highly likely.
But in recent months the tempo of counter terrorist activity has been increasing with - on average - an arrest every day.
After the attack in Westminster by Khalid Masood in March, police and security officials have been warning that further attacks were almost inevitable.
But they also believed that those were more likely to be low-tech involving knives or vehicles. The fact that the Manchester attack involved explosives will worry them.
It may not have been at the level of complexity seen in Paris in 2015, when multiple attackers sent from Syria used guns and suicide belts, but it will still have required planning.
Read more from home affairs correspondent Dominic Casciani

The blast happened close to the entrance to Victoria railway and tram station. The station has been closed and all trains cancelled.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the city would "pull together", adding: "That's what we are. That's what we do. They won't win."
The Manchester Arena or MEN is the city's largest indoor venue with a concert capacity of about 21,000.

**CptJake**

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
CptJake wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

It may have more to do with not having assets for both the investigation and to provide proper security with an increased threat.

That is true, but on the other hand, we need to send out the powerful message that we won't be running for the hills.

Many have tried to break the spirit of the British people. None have succeeded. We won't hide away from these

It should be business as usual, whilst mourning for the dead...

Taking a couple or three days to un feth yourselves and get the right security measures in place and ensure your resourcing the investigation and subsequent raids sends a powerful message, that you're gov't is smart enough to do stuff right rather than half ass it for the sake of 'not giving in to terror!'

Having election activities blown up and enduring more casualties isn't worth 'keeping on as normal'.

Now, if your gov't has a crap ton of excess resources sitting around waiting for something like this and you can get everything mobilized in minutes, go for it. I suspect it takes a bit of time though (having been involved in planning stuff like that).

**Nostromodamus**

Of course Do'uche claimed responsibility. They cling to every terrorist action they can in an attempt to appear more powerful than they are.

**CptJake**

Nostromodamus wrote:
Of course Do'uche claimed responsibility. They cling to every terrorist action they can in an attempt to appear more powerful than they are.

Or, they rightfully understand that providing motivation and knowledge enabling others to commit acts like this is a strategy that clearly works for them.

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

Future War Cultist wrote:
Sure we can carry on as normal. And we can do the same after the next one. And the next one after that. And the next one after that. But when do we decide that enough is enough and actually do something about it? Because I for one am sick of it.

There are no easy answers to this problem. It's going to be long, it will be a hard road, and it will take many years to solve.

**CptJake**

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
Future War Cultist wrote:
Sure we can carry on as normal. And we can do the same after the next one. And the next one after that. And the next one after that. But when do we decide that enough is enough and actually do something about it? Because I for one am sick of it.

There are no easy answers to this problem. It's going to be long, it will be a hard road, and it will take many years to solve.

Which is why sometimes you need an 'operational pause' to get your gak in order.

**Nostromodamus**

CptJake wrote:
Nostromodamus wrote:
Of course Do'uche claimed responsibility. They cling to every terrorist action they can in an attempt to appear more powerful than they are.

Or, they rightfully understand that providing motivation and knowledge enabling others to commit acts like this is a strategy that clearly works for them.

True, they certainly do influence some, but they would lay claim to a wet fart in the house of lords if they thought it would bolster their image.

**Do_I_Not_Like_That**

CptJake wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
CptJake wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

It may have more to do with not having assets for both the investigation and to provide proper security with an increased threat.

That is true, but on the other hand, we need to send out the powerful message that we won't be running for the hills.

Many have tried to break the spirit of the British people. None have succeeded. We won't hide away from these

It should be business as usual, whilst mourning for the dead...

Taking a couple or three days to un feth yourselves and get the right security measures in place and ensure your resourcing the investigation and subsequent raids sends a powerful message, that you're gov't is smart enough to do stuff right rather than half ass it for the sake of 'not giving in to terror!'

Having election activities blown up and enduring more casualties isn't worth 'keeping on as normal'.

Now, if your gov't has a crap ton of excess resources sitting around waiting for something like this and you can get everything mobilized in minutes, go for it. I suspect it takes a bit of time though (having been involved in planning stuff like that).

Manchester suffered a lot of attacks in the days of the IRA bombing campaign back in the 1980s, so the Manchester Police has some expertise in this area.

I agree, that the fightback and the security operation needs to be smart, and handled well, but a balance needs to be struck.

For example, there are remote parts of the UK that are highly unlikely to suffer this kind of attack, but even they are affected by this campaign pause.

If terrorists attacked New York, should the political campaign stop in say, Arizona, or Alaska?

I respect your viewpoint and the expertise of your military background on this subject

but in my mind, the show must go on, otherwise those

win

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Nostromodamus wrote:
Of course Do'uche claimed responsibility. They cling to every terrorist action they can in an attempt to appear more powerful than they are.

Exactly. Every time somebody slips on a banana skin, ISIS claims responsibility for it.

**kronk**

Compel wrote:
Potentially 20-30 casualties, including people being treated for injuries by the roadside).

Explosion seems to have occurred from the ticket office rather than the concert arena itself.

Victoria trainline is shut down.

Ugh.

Stay safe, everyone.

**CptJake**

They claim responsibility, because very often when they do they are responsible.

When their main method of attack outside of theater is inspiring this type of act, providing knowledge and motivation and when the perps admit using that knowledge and motivation and pledge to DaIsh, it is hard to think they are not responsible in a very real way. You can minimize it all you want, poke fun as long as you want. That does not diminish the fact that DaIsh expends a lot of resources directed specifically towards getting folks to commit acts like this.

Automatically Appended Next Post:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40012208

Good article on the significance of the method of attack.

**kronk**

little-killer wrote:
I don't understand why there is a thread about this on this forum, i mean did you do threads too for paris attacks (wasn't on the forum yet so i don't know).

Go check the Off Topic history.

There is a long history of making threads about terrorist attacks, lone gunmen, and similar threads.

There also used to be a large ISIS thread that had these events rolled into it, but discussion there got heated and the thread was locked.

**CptJake**

Media reports identify suspected perpetrator of #ManchesterBombing as Salman Abedi, 23, known to #UK authorities prior to the attack.

https://twitter.com/W7VOA/status/867002591946960897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwestendzone.com%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D143766%26page%3D16

Automatically Appended Next Post:

little earlier this morning, ISIS claimed credit for the attack, which certainly adds credence to the suspicions of investigators that more than one lone wolf could be part of this massacre:

While it may seem like a given, ISIS tends to be particular about claiming credit for attacks. They don’t usually claim credit for every lone-wolf attack unless they have at least some connection to the perpetrator.

http://hotair.com/archives/2017/05/23/british-investigators-arrest-one-suspected-accomplice-manchester-bombing-isis-claims-credit/

**jhe90**

CptJake wrote:
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

There is talk of suspending our Election campaign for a few days. I think this is wrong. We can't roll up the white flag to terrorism.

It may have more to do with not having assets for both the investigation and to provide proper security with an increased threat.

Also the PM is to borrow a term, a command authority in UK. Harsh as it sounds we could better cope with loss of opposition than loss of PM or senior cabinet. The protection round her would have to be increased and that's a drain on resources that could be better put to use in investigating and preventing other attacks for next few days. Also as PM we need our government in a leadership mode not campaign mode right now.

All in all the choice is a fair one to suspend campaign in national intrest, get security solid, get suspects and act in the best intrest of protecting UK citizens, one of the main and most important duties of our leaders.

**Humble Guardsman**

fething hell. They were just teenagers. Kids.