Manchester clubs offering support after concert attack

Local residents and the world of football are rallying around Manchester after an Ariana Grande concert was subject to a deadly terrorist attack Monday evening.

A male suicide attacker exploded a homemade bomb when people were leaving the Manchester Arena after the encore, according to BBC News, leaving the death toll at 22 and 59 injured.

A 23-year-old was arrested in Chorlton, south Manchester, by armed police following the tragedy.

Manchester City's Etihad Stadium is being used as a "support centre" to assist Greater Manchester Police during the crisis. Manchester United has offered to "help police and other emergency services" while closing its club shop, museum, cafe, and stadium tours, and cancelling Tuesday's press conference ahead of the following day's Europa League final against Ajax.

Related: Manchester United 'deeply shocked' by arena bombing

Bolton Wanderers have dropped flags to half-staff outside the Macron Stadium, and say tonight's annual memorial service has "taken on a very different poignance" after the disaster. Stockport County's regular blood donation session was inundated with walk-ups, and similar messages of sadness and support came from Wigan Athletic, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, and Bury.

There are additionally long queues outside blood banks in the city itself, and people have been driving into the centre of town to offer a hand.

There has been consolation from the wider football community as well, with Real Madrid expressing its "deepest dismay at the attack" in a statement, and Barcelona tweeting its "support and solidarity."