People are queuing to give blood after the Manchester terror attack

Long queues have formed outside Manchester blood donor centres in the wake of last night’s terror attack that has left at least 22 dead and 59 injured.

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has urged new and existing donors to book an appointment to give blood over the coming days.

Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said: “We are responding to last night’s events in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the people affected by this tragic incident.

“We do have all the blood required for hospital patients at the present time; however, we are always keen to encourage new donors to register and existing donors to book an appointment which can be done at Blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session.

“If you have an appointment to give blood in the next few days, please do your best to keep it, particularly if you are blood group O negative.”

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. The first victim has been named as Georgina Bethany Callander, 16.

Two medical centres — Norfolk House Donor Centre (7 Brown Street M2 1DA) and Plymouth Grove Donor Centre (Manchester Centre, Plymouth Grove M13 9LL) — have sessions today.

However, GiveBlood added that it is not taking registrations because they have all the blood required at the moment.

Read more about the Manchester terror attack:

Video shows moment concert-goers flee in terror

Eyewitness accounts: ‘There was carnage’

First victim names as Georgina Callander

Mum breaks down during desperate appeal to find daughter

People in Manchester open their homes to help those affected

Sick Isis supporters celebrate bombing