TOKYO/PARIS — Countries across the globe are considering tightening security ahead of major theatre and sports events following a suicide bomb attack in Britain that killed at least 22 people.

In the aftermath of the attack, some concert-goers in Manchester had criticised what they said were lax security arrangements on site.

Britain was on its second-highest alert level of “severe”, meaning an attack by militants is considered highly likely, after the suicide bomb blast at the end of a concert by American singer Ariana Grande in Manchester on Monday.

The French government has contacted organisers of sporting and cultural events in the country on security measures after the Manchester attack, said Interior Minister Gerard Collomb.

“We have given a certain number of instructions to the organisers of sporting and cultural events to make sure our citizens are best protected everywhere,” he said in a televised statement, adding that a government note would be circulated to police chiefs on this measure.

European soccer body Uefa said there was “no specific intelligence” to suggest that the Europa League final in Stockholm on Thursday between Manchester United and Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam might be the target of any attack.

Uefa said that “a number of additional security measures were implemented” after a truck attack in central Stockholm last month.

Some of those who attended the concert at the Manchester Arena have criticised the security arrangements, saying bags were not checked.

Ms Nikola Trochtova, a Czech woman at the concert, told Czech public radio that “there was absolutely no security check”.

She added: “They let us get in without any check if we have anything with us … the only thing they were interested in was if we had any bottles of water with us. They almost didn’t check our bags, they didn’t take a look.”

SMG, the Pennsylvania-based company that manages the Manchester Arena, defended the precautions at the venue.

“It is obviously as tight security as anywhere in the (United) States,” said Mr Wes Westley, SMG’s president and chief executive. “Backpacks are not allowed. Drinks are taken away from people. You have to go through very strict security to enter the arena.”

He explained that attendees arrive through a large public foyer, where the explosion occurred. The area, which connects to the Manchester Victoria rail station, is where parents often wait for their children after concerts.

The incident “occurred in a public space outside of Manchester Arena”, the company said.

Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld Expo, where Ms Grande is due to hold a concert in September, said it would enhance security measures for all concerts and events. Besides baggage inspection, there will be metal detectors, it said in a statement, adding it was also planning to introduce search dogs for any suspicious items.

Hong Kong is already on high alert ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover to Beijing on July 1, when the former British colony’s new leader will also be sworn in.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia’s biggest sports arena, said it was reviewing procedures.

“While the threat level in Victoria remains unchanged, and there is no known threat to the MCG, we continue to receive advice from relevant authorities and together review our security processes accordingly,” the club’s spokesman said, referring to the state of which Melbourne is the capital.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government was working closely with other countries on strategy.

The US Department of Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring Monday’s attack and that the US public may experience increased security at public events. AGENCIES