Don’t share unconfirmed images or names

When attacks like this happen, the shock and horror combined with the sheer volume of information on social media can make it difficult to separate fact from genuine or malicious rumour.

Shared widely, misinformation can spread fear and confusion, and even compromise ongoing investigations. Following the attack in Manchester, police have requested that people refrain from sharing unconfirmed details that may surface online.

Chief constable Ian Hopkins of Greater Manchester Police said: “The attacker, I can confirm, died at the arena. We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated causing this atrocity.

“We would ask people not to speculate on his details or to share names. There is a complex and wide-ranging investigation underway. Our priority is to work with the National Counter Terrorist Policing Network and UK intelligence services to establish more details about the individual who carried out this attack.”

While the attacker has now been officially identified, other unconfirmed details surface constantly.

Similarly, check the source before sharing links to stories or donations pages about reported victims, as scammers can quickly take advantage of these situations to prey on people’s generosity.

Anyone in need of information or searching for loved ones can call the police emergency hotline: 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900

Manchester attack: how you can help