Ariana Grande drummer, and DC native, says he's in disbelief following Manchester attack

WASHINGTON - D.C. native Aaron Spears, the drummer for Ariana Grande at Monday's concert in Manchester, said that their group had no idea a bomb had exploded until after they evacuated the arena.

Spears, who responded to a text message from FOX 5's Steve Chenevey, said that they had just finished the show and were walking back to their dressing rooms when they heard the explosion.

"It's so heartbreaking because so many little ones attend our shows. I just keep thinking about them," he said. Police say an 8-year-old girl was among the dead and the wounded included 12 children under age of 16.

"I'm extremely thankful that no one on the touring crew was physically hurt but this painful memory will live with us all forever. I'm still just in disbelief. It's so surreal."

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Monday night carnage, but the top American intelligence official said the claim could not be verified. Officials in the United States say British authorities have identified the suspect in the Manchester suicide bombing attack as Salman Abedi.

It was unclear if Grande's next show, scheduled for Thursday in London, would take place.