Live: 22 killed, including children, in Manchester Arena explosion after concert

Thanks for sticking with us today as this news unfolded.

Here's what we know:

• 22 people are dead, including children, after an improvised explosive device went off at Manchester Arena about 10.30pm on Monday night, local time
• Police believe a single attacker detonated the bomb, dying in the blast
• Victims include an eight-year-old girl and 18-year-old girl
• Raids have taken place in Manchester's south, where police carried out a controlled detonation
• More than 50 people are injured, some seriously
• Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack

A candlelight vigil is due to be held in Manchester at 6pm local time (3am AEST), with Prime Minister Theresa May to attend.

For the latest information, follow Greater Manchester Police on social media.

Forensic officers investigate the scene near Manchester Arena, where 22 people were killed.Credit: AP

Police have raided two homes as part of the investigation into the arena explosion.

One home was in Fallowfield, a suburb south of Manchester, while the other was in nearby Whalley Range.

Police said a "controlled explosion" took place at the home in Fallowfield.

Heavily-armed police wearing helmets and armour were filmed at one of the raids by a resident, who said it took place on Wilbraham Road in Fallowfield.

An eight-year-old girl has been named as another of the victims of the attack.

Saffie Rose Roussos was at the concert with her mother, Lisa, and her sister Ashlee when an explosive detonated in the foyer. They are reportedly being treated in hospital.

Chris Upton, the head teacher at Tarleton Community Primary School, where Saffie was a student, said in a statement her death was a "tremendous shock".

"News of Saffie's death in this appalling attack has come as a tremendous shock to all of us and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends," Mr Upton said.

"She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair."

He said she was "simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word".

"The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking."

Saffie's photo was shared on social media in the hours after the attack, as friends and family thought she was missing and tried to find her.

Saffie Roussos died in the Manchester bombing.Credit: Facebook

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has phoned his British counterpart to offer Australia's condolences, solidarity, love and prayers to the people of Manchester.

Mr Turnbull told the PM Australians had been inspired by the courage of the first responders and general public who rushed towards the danger to help others, saying it defined the British character.

Both leaders are committed to fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq through the global coalition and noted that the degradation of ISIS in the Middle East could result in terrorist fighters moving elsewhere.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull phoned Theresa May to offer Australia's solidarity.Credit: Andrew Meares

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack at the Manchester Arena and says it was carried out with an explosive device planted at the concert.

The group posted a statement to the encrypted messaging application Telegram.

"One of the soldiers of the Caliphate was able to place an explosive device within a gathering of the Crusaders in the city of Manchester," the statement said.

Reuters

Queen Elizabeth has released a statement on the Manchester attack.

In a message to the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, which was distributed to the world's media, the Queen expressed her sympathy.

"The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert," she said.

"I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.

"I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care. And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity."

The short message was signed with "Elizabeth R".

'Deepest sympathy': Queen Elizabeth.Credit: Getty Images

Georgina Callander has been named as one of the 22 people who died in the explosion at Manchester Arena.

The 18-year-old, an avid fan of pop star Ariana Grande and television show Once Upon a Time, was from Lancashire.

Her friends took to social media after her death to remember her as "a beautiful girl with the kindest heart and soul".

Some of the stars of Once Upon A Time also posted tributes to Georgina and expressed their shock.

"No words ... this is beyond upsetting," actress Karen David said.

Before heading to the concert, Georgina wrote to Ariana Grande on Twitter: "So excited to see u tomorrow".

Read more here

Georgina Callander (left) with US pop star Ariana Grande in 2015.Credit: Instagram

Greater Manchester police say a man was also arrested at the Arndale shopping centre.

His arrest is not believed to be connected to the bomb attack.

Meanwhile, the panic at the Arndale Centre appears to have been premature.

The centre has been re-opened, with police removing a cordon that blocked it off and shoppers walking back in.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack on Manchester Arena, police say.

Greater Manchester police said they arrested a man in South Manchester over the incident.

It is not known what role the arrested man allegedly played in the attack.

Manchester Police say they are dealing with an "incident" at Arndale Shopping Centre, several hundred metres away from Manchester Arena.

Vision posted to social media showed crowds of people running from the centre, reportedly after someone shouted "bomb".

Another video, posted to Twitter, showed police leading a man away who appeared to have been arrested.

Witnesses told news wire Reuters they heard a "big bang" before the centre was evacuated.