Manchester Arena explosion: how the UK newspapers reacted

At least 22 people have been killed and 59 injured in an explosion at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Police say the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack and that a lone male suicide bomber detonated an “improvised explosive device” in the foyer of the venue.

British Transport police say the explosion occurred at about 10:30pm and the attacker died on the scene. Chief constable Ian Hopkins has confirmed children are “among the deceased”.

“The most horrific incident we have ever faced in Manchester,” he added.

British newspapers, who had mostly led on Theresa May’s social care U-turn, updated their second editions to report on the atrocity.

The Manchester Evening lead with the word ‘Massacre’. It added: ’22 children and adults are murdered by suicide bomber at Arena pop concert’.

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The Times and the Daily Mirror reported that 19 had died in the blast at the concert. That number has since risen to 22, according to police.

The Metro said: ‘Terror carnage at arena concert’. The Guardian ran with ‘Murder in Manchester’

Mail Online lead with ‘Slaughter of the innocents’. See the newspapers below.

• Social media users are using the hashtag #ManchesterMissing to help trace missing concert-goers in the wake of the attack. Manchester Police have set up an emergency number – 0161 856 9400 – for those who are concerned about relatives or loved ones who may have been in the area. Facebook has activated its Safety Check function, which allows users who were in the area to tell family that they are safe.