The U.S.Department of Homeland Security is paying inordinately close attention to news and information coming out of the U.K.about the explosion at Manchester Arena.

DHS is cooperating with foreign counterparts in order to get more intelligence regarding the cause of the incident, says David Lapan, spokesman for the department.Investigators in northern England are still gathering information about the explosion, which is currently suspected of being a terrorist attack.

Homeland Security is also taking the precaution of heightening security in the U.S. to prevent similar attacks at comparable venues in North America where large crowds can be expected.They refer to these areas as "soft targets."

"At this time we have no information to indicate a specific threat involving music venues in the United States," Lapan says. "However, the public may experience increased security around public places and events as officials take additional precautions."

The department encourages U.S.citizens in Manchester and surrounding areas to exercise the utmost caution and contact the U.S.embassy for assistance.

"We stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the U.K.in all ways necessary as they investigate and recover from this incident," said Lapan.