Reactions to the Manchester blast

An explosion struck an Ariana Grande concert in northern England late Monday, killing at least 19 people and injuring roughly 50 in what police say they are treating as a terrorist attack. The explosion occurred at Manchester Arena.

Here are some reactions:

Queen Elizabeth II condemned the Manchester terror attack as an "act of barbarity", voicing sympathy for victims and emergency workers.

"The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester," the queen said in a statement, adding: "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".

US President Donald Trump bemoaned loss of life in Manchester bombing at the hands of ‘evil losers in life’.

Pope Francis said he was deeply saddened by the "barbaric" attack, the Vatican said on Tuesday in a message of condolences.

"His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the barbaric attack in Manchester," read a telegram sent in his name.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was “incomprehensible” that someone would target a pop concert to kill and wound people. Ms. Merkel said in a statement that the attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester “will only strengthen our determination to keep acting together with our British friends against those who plan and carry out such inhuman deeds. I assure people in Britain that Germany stands beside you."

This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next,” says Harun Khan, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has denounced the “ugly terrorist attack” in Manchester, speaking after a West Bank meeting with President Donald Trump. Abbas says he is sending his condolences to the British prime minister, the British people and the families of the victims.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deadly bombing in Manchester, England, must be “unflinchingly confronted” by the entire world.

Echoing U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments that the attackers were “losers,” Mr. Netanyahu said “it’s our job to make sure that they continue to lose.”

In a statement, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would continue to work with Britain to fight terrorism. Macron said he would speak with British Prime Minister Theresa May to stay abreast of developments.

The White House says President Donald Trump is being provided updates on the Manchester concert explosion by his national security team.

Trump is in the midst of his first overseas trip as president. He’s meeting Tuesday in Bethlehem with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and speaking at Yad Veshem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem.

“We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack," British PM Theresa May said in a statement. “All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.”

Also Read 19 confirmed dead in explosion at concert in Manchester

Former Manchester United soccer star David Beckham posted on Facebook: “As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy.”

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull: “This incident, this attack, is especially vile, especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers.”

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe: “The most cowardly form of terrorism has struck once again, targeting - as in Paris more than a year ago - a concert venue. I call on my fellow citizens to observe the utmost vigilance, confronted as we are with a threat which is more present than ever before.”

Statement from the French President Emmanuel Macron's office: "The President of the Republic will pursue with the government, and with British forces, the fight against terrorism. Emmanuel Macron will hold a telephone call with Theresa May and will be kept informed in real time on developments in the inquiry.

Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services."

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), tweeted: "Horrified at the bombing in Manchester. No doubt we will find out who the perpetrator is soon. My thoughts are with those affected." He added: "The Manchester terrorist attack was directed at children. It's going to be a very big shock for the UK."

Ariana Grande: "Broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words."

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau tweeted: "Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims & their families in your thoughts."

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham: "My heart goes out to families who have lost loved ones, my admiration to our brave emergency services. A terrible night for our great city."

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: "Heartbreaking news from Manchester. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or been injured in this barbaric attack."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: "Pained by the attack in Manchester. We strongly condemn it. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron: My deepest condolences to the victims and families in Manchester. As always our emergency services have shown great bravery and heroism.

British Home Secretary Amber Rudd: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and the victims who have been affected and I know the whole country will share that view. This time it has been a particular attack on the most vulnerable in our society - its intention was to sow fear - its intention was to divide. But it will not succeed.