British Prime Minister Theresa May said police know the name of the suicide bomber who killed 22 adults and children and injured 59 others in Manchester. (Source: Xinhuanet)
LONDON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May said police know the name of the suicide bomber who killed 22 adults and children and injured 59 others in Manchester.
"The police think they know the identity of the perpetrator. But the police are not at this point revealing their name," said May when speaking outside 10 Downing Street after chairing a meeting of Britain's emergency security committee.
May also said a number of the adults and children in hospital have life threatening injuries.
May said she intended to journey to Manchester where the terrorist set off an improvised explosive device as thousands of fans started to leave the Manchester Arena after a concert by the American pop icon, Ariana Grande. A number of children and young people are among those killed.
May said in London that the people of Manchester had fallen victim to a "callous terrorist attack," adding: "It is the worst attack Manchester has suffered, and the worst to hit the north of England."
A single terrorist detonated a device near the exit of the arena, when people were leaving. The prime minister said it intended to cause maximum injuries."
May said police believe that attack was carried out by one person, but they need to find out if he was acting alone. She said if others are responsible for the attack they will be brought to justice.
May, meanwhile, said campaigning of the general election has been suspended by all of the parties.
"It is customary for leaders to condemn the attackers, but the fact we have to say this again does not make this any less true. We should remember the countless acts of kindness that brought people together, the work of the emergency services and the messages of solidarity and hope from those who opened their homes to victims. These are the things that represent the spirit of Manchester. It will never be broken."
"There will be difficult days ahead. Let us remember those who died, and think of those who helped," added May.
She said a further meeting of the Cobra emergency committee would take place later Tuesday.
It was the worst act of terrorism in Britain since the London bombings in July, 2005, when more than 50 people died.
