BREAKING: Fatalities confirmed after explosion reported at Manchester Arena

Witnesses reported hearing "large bangs" following an Ariana Grande gig at Manchester Arena at 10.30pm.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that 19 people have been killed in the incident with around 50 others injured.

Police said they are currently treating the reported explosion as a terrorist incident.

A controlled explosion is due to be carried out shortly in Cathedral gardens.

British Transport Police (BTP) said there have been reports of an explosion within the foyer area of the stadium.

BTP said: "Emergency services are at the scene and we are working to establish more information regarding the explosion and will provide further updates as soon as possible."

A heavy police and ambulance response to the incident is currently ongoing with people being advised to avoid the area.

A video widely shared on Twitter showed people desperately hurrying for the exits after hearing the "loud explosion"

Details of a casualty bureau for the incident are set to be shared by police who say they are working to provide a number "for anyone concerned about loved ones" to contact.

Manchester Victoria, close to the concert venue, has been closed with all trains cancelled.

The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has urged people to only contact them for "life threatening" emergencies as they respond to the explosion.

Hundreds of people on Twitter have come forward to offer lifts and rooms to anyone stranded in Manchester using the hashtag RoomForManchester.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed.

More to follow.