Manchester terror attack: Community on high alert after 22 killed, 59 injured
Jewish security chiefs urge 'calm and vigilance' after a suicide bomber detonates a device outside a concert in Manchester
The security level in the Jewish community has been heightened after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, after a pop concert in Manchester.
Some 59 people were injured as an explosion tore through fans leaving a concert by American artist Ariana Grande on Monday evening.
The attacker detonated an improvised explosive device, with victims describing being thrown by the blast that scattered nuts and bolts across the floor.
The Community Security Trust (CST) issued a security bulletin after the attack, where it requests the community is “calm, vigilant and cooperates with security measures at UK communal locations.”
The statement adds: “that there is no specific information indicating a planned attack against British Jews at this time, but all Jewish locations have been asked to ensure that security measures are fully implemented.”
Following the incident, campaigning for the June 8 General Election has been suspended. Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the hours after the attack and agreed to put the contest on hold until further notice.
In a statement released in the early hours of Tuesday, May said: “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.”
Corbyn said: “I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured.
“Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.
“I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with last night’s appalling events.”
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