Australians living or travelling in the United Kingdom are being told to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ following the Manchester Bombings.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have updated their travel safety website, advising people to remain vigilant and to monitor news for updates.
“Continue to avoid the area surrounding the Manchester Arena and anticipate significant transport delays in the Manchester area,” it reads.
“Expect an increased police and security presence across the UK. Be vigilant about your personal security, monitor the media and follow local authorities.”
The level of terror threat in Australia remains unchanged.
Officials have released that of the 22 victims killed by the blast; 12 were children aged 16 or under.
British police have since named the suspected bomber as 22 year old Salman Abedi. He is believed to have been born in the United Kingdom.
No Australians are believed to have been killed or harmed in the attack.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said that security arrangements for events and mass gatherings in Australia are being reviewed.
“This is under constant review. You’ll see heightened police presences, more obstacles, bollard, barriers put in the way to prevent vehicle-borne attacks,” he said.
Manchester stages defiant vigil after concert attack: "We are the many, they are the few" https://t.co/ePDb9fU9VT pic.twitter.com/Kf6V7qIllL
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 24, 2017
Mr Turnbull condemned the bombing, saying that the Australian parliament stood in solidarity with Britain.
“This is an attack on innocence. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children,” he said.
“This is a direct and brutal attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere.”
Our heartfelt sympathy and resolute solidarity is with the people of the United Kingdom. Full statement here: https://t.co/FwtDITvVU9 pic.twitter.com/KYo72xl7P7
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) May 23, 2017
Mr Turnbull is believed to have called British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday night to express his condolences.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten took to Twitter to pay tribute to the victims and their families.
Every parent’s nightmare. Thinking of all those killed or hurt in the attack in Manchester. And the parents worried sick about their kids.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) May 23, 2017
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop took to the Today Show to warn Australians travelling to the U.K to read travel advice, as it was being reviewed and updated.
“We would recommend that anyone seeking to travel to the United Kingdom read our travel advice, which is under constant review and brings the latest information that we have to the Australian public,” she said.
