Dept of Foreign Affairs ‘not aware’ of Irish citizens in Manchester attack

They're monitoring the situation closely.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has said that it is 'not aware' of any Irish citizens caught up in the Manchester attack but confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely. The attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena last night left 22 people confirmed dead and a further 59 injured. Police confirmed that a lone man, who was also killed in the blast, detonated an improvised explosive device at the arena. Irish Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan issued a statement following the incident saying:

"I am shocked and horrified by the large loss of life in Manchester last night and my thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and we stand by our nearest neighbour, the U.K. especially due to the strong links between our country and the city of Manchester. "The Consular Section of my Department, in conjunction with our Embassy in London is monitoring the situation and we are not at this time aware of any Irish citizens affected. "Anyone with concerns for family and friends can contact the Consular Division of my Department on 353 1 408 2000."

Taoiseach Enda Kenny also condemned the attack in a statement:

"The vile acts carried out in Manchester last night are a reminder of the depravity of the views held by the few. "Those beliefs have no place in our society. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this atrocity. I am heartbroken for all."