President Xi extends condolences to Queen Elizabeth II over Manchester blast

Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: VCG/Peter Byrne]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a condolence message to British Queen Elizabeth II regarding the explosion in the British city of Manchester.

In the message, Xi expressed deep sorrow to the innocent victims and sincere condolences to the injured and the families of the killed in the incident.

The Chinese people stand firmly with the British people at this difficult time, Xi said.

At least 22 people were killed and 59 more injured in the blast that occurred outside Manchester Arena right after the end of a concert late Monday night.