A woman who saw the Manchester Arena explosion go off metres in front of her, showering concert-goers in blood, says the horror scenes "will not be leaving my mind any time soon".
At least 22 people were killed and dozens more injured after a suspected terrorist bombing tore through fans as they poured out of the Ariana Grande show on Monday night.
Abby Mullen said she left the gig seconds before the last song finished to get home quickly but found herself caught up in the terrorist outrage.
In a Facebook post, she wrote: “As we were leaving a bomb or explosion went off meters in front of me.”
Ms Mullen, from Airdrie, said she was covered in blood as the blast went off.
She wrote: “I'm still finding bits of god knows what in my hair. I am fine and back in my hotel.
“I hope everyone involved and in front of me is okay.”
She went on: “You never ever expect these things to happen too you but this proves it can happen to anybody.
“That sound, the blood will not be leaving my mind any time soon or the minds of those involved.”
Manchester Arena explosion
She shared gruesome pictures of her stained handbag and bloody hair, writing: “I understand these images might be upsetting, however, I feel as though people need to be shown just how cruel this world really is.”
Children and young people are feared to be among those killed and wounded in the blast at the Manchester Arena which police are treating as a terrorist incident.
Police have not said what caused or who was behind the suspected atrocity, although unconfirmed reports have suggested it was carried out by a suspected suicide bomber.
Witnesses reported hearing a "huge bomb-like bang" at around 10.30pm on Monday, as fans were leaving the arena shortly after the show finished and described glass and metal nuts on the floor.
The Prime Minister has condemned the "appalling" incident and General Election campaigning has been suspended.
Downing Street said a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee is expected to take place at around 9am on Tuesday morning chaired by Theresa May.
Ariana Grande, the US singer who had finished performing just minutes before the blast, said she had been left "broken" by the events.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said they are treating the blast as a "terrorist incident until we have further information".
If confirmed as terrorism it would be the worst attack in the UK since 56 people were killed in the 7/7 London bombings in 2005.
