Manchester Arena attack: mindless, cowardly act against peaceful coexistence - GMMF

The Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Britain''s Manchester Arena, which killed at least 22 people and injured 59 others.

"Such mindless and cowardly acts run against the shared values of peaceful coexistence as espoused by all the world's major faiths," GMMF executive chairman and chief executive officer, Datuk Nasharudin Mat Isa, said in a statement.

The GMMF extended its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the British people and its government, he said.

Reports said that a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

Multiple witnesses reported hearing "huge bangs" at the venue shortly after the US singer's gig finished at around 10.30pm Monday evening.

A report stated that Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out with an explosive device planted at the concert, according to the group's statement posted on Telegram.

British authorities have confirmed that the man involved in the Manchester attack died inside the Manchester Arena and was wearing an improvised explosive device as he carried out his apparent suicide mission, reports said.

The man has since been named as Salman Abedi, 22, the Press Association and US officials have said.

Another man, aged 23, has been arrested in connection with the bomb attack.

-- BERNAMA