Manchester bombing among worst terrorist attacks in UK history, says May

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has said Monday night’s attack on Manchester Arena was the worst in the country’s history.

May said that the “cowardice of the attacker was met by the bravery of the emergency services and the people of Manchester” in remarks given at Downing Street, as cited by the Press Association.

“This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom,” she said.

“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.”

22 people, including some children, were killed and 59 were wounded when a suicide bomber struck as thousands of fans streamed out of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande in the English city of Manchester on Monday.

May called an emergency meeting with intelligence chiefs on the deadliest militant assault in Britain since four British Muslims killed 52 people in suicide bombings on London’s transport system in July 2005.

Witnesses related the horror of the blast which prompted a stampede just as the concert ended at Europe’s largest indoor arena.