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Manchester Arena attack: May 23 in pictures, quotes, tributes and Tweets

Live updates throughout the day in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena blast last night – which killed 22 people including an eight-year-old girl and injured 59, say Greater Manchester Police.

23:59: As the clock strikes 12 on a dark day for Manchester, we bring you a wrap from the vigil earlier today in Albert Square.

Be safe everyone and sleep well. xx

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23:35: Greater Manchester Police latest and where to get updates on the changing situation:

We are currently working on a timeline of the events of last night and work that has been carried out today which we will share as soon as it is ready.

We will continue to put significant updates and key messages out via social media so for the latest updates please follow @gmpolice on Twitter. 

 

23:25: Wednesday morning travel advice from TfGM:

Travellers across Greater Manchester are being advised to allow more time for their journeys on Wednesday as transport continues to be affected following the terrorist attack that took place at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

People are being encouraged to use public transport and use park and ride sites to travel into the city centre.

All bus services will operate on Wednesday morning, however there are diversions in place to some services.

There will be train and tram services running, although they will not run through Victoria station.

Roads across the region and particularly in the city centre will remain very busy and Wednesday morning’s peak time travel is expected to be busier than normal.

 

Jon Lamonte, Chief Executive of TfGM, said: “I would like to thank the people of Greater Manchester for their patience and courage at this most difficult of times.

“Manchester is open for business and many parts of the transport network are returning to normal following this horrific attack, although Victoria station is expected to remain closed on Wednesday.

“To help keep our region moving, we are encouraging travellers to plan ahead and use public transport wherever possible, including the park and ride sites that will be opened at the Etihad and Old Trafford stadiums tomorrow morning.

“Our team is continuing to monitor the situation and I’d strongly advise anyone looking to travel in and around Greater Manchester to continue to check the TfGM and Metrolink websites and Twitter feeds.”

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has created a special travel information page on its website to help keep people in Greater Manchester moving:

www.tfgm.com/travel-information-23-may

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter

 

23:19: Merci Paris 🙂 

23:15: And a few more sombre ones on what, for all the show of strength, is ultimately a sad day. Manchester will never forget the victims of this tragic incident.

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23:10: Salford Red Devils announce they will hold a minute’s applause during their Super League game on Friday in the 22nd minute to honour the 22 victims of last night’s attack.

23:00: Just more pictures showing the world what Manchester is all about: unity, smiles, and strength.

22:00: 

 

21:50: The Guardian Sport and their tribute to the victims ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League final appearance tomorrow night.

21:45: Singer Lorde Tweeted her support and sympathy earlier today, a feeling no doubt echoed throughout the musical world.

21:40: Theresa May speaks from Downing Street as the terror level is increased from severe to critical.

“Intelligence points to the possibility that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack. Threat level should be increased from severe to critical. A further attack may be imminent.

“Police have asked to deploy armed personnel. Request has been approved.

“While we mourn the victims of last night, we stand united. Terrorists will never win and we will prevail.”

 

21:30: The same message, hours apart. MM reporter Matthew Calderbank and editor Andrew Greaves on the scene.

21:15: And another great picture of the vigil, truly a sign of a united Manchester.

20:55: Pictures of tonight’s Manchester vigil, thanks to Greater Manchester Police for sharing and for their steadfast effort in the face of terror in the past 24 hours.

 

20:50: A reminder of the emergency number to call again. Please help if you can.

20:40: Not only are papers showing their support, famous monuments worldwide are displaying the Union Jack colours proudly this evening.

20:30: We’ll be bringing you updates this evening, but for now it’s a look at tomorrow’s front pages, with papers around the globe standing shoulder to shoulder with Manchester.

 

19:50: Sun is showing no sign of setting over Manchester, as former Manchester United player Eric Cantona’s tribute to his old home appears on Twitter. 

 

19:40: Andy Burnham is now speaking in Albert Square, receiving a hugely popular reception after he became the city’s first elected Mayor earlier this month.

19:30: A nice touch from Manchester City footballer Yaya Touré on such a bleak day, as the Ivorian confirms he will donate money with his agent to victims of the attack.

19:15: Looks like Alex Ritchie will be in Albert Square for a while! 

19:10: One hour ago poet Tony Walsh delivered one of the most defiant poems you will likely ever hear. Listen in full again. And again. 

19:04: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham thanks the wonderful people of Manchester after their spine-tingling show of solidarity. 

19:00: And now for a vigil in Rochdale.

 

18:54:

18:40: And now the promised defiance. Manchester, we salute you.

18:30: 

18:25: The vigil is over but no one is moving, chants of ‘Manchester, Manchester’ ring around Albert Square. 

 

18:20: An immaculately observed minute silence after poet Tony Walsh moves people to tears. Quite simply, Manchester will not be cowed. 

18:15: Keep Manchester great. Poetry rings out in the ears of all present. Amazing scenes.

18:12: 

18:10: Huge turnout. Huge respect. 

18:05: Huge roar and applause as the emergency services are thanked and praised. “We will defy the terrorists by all our diverse communities,” says the Lord Mayor.

17:30: More from Tom George and Matty Calderbank in Albert Square.

 

17:25: Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has confirmed the name of the man suspected of carrying out last night’s attack at Manchester Arena.

The suspect is 22-year-old Salman Abedi.

Chief Constable Hopkins said: “There has been much speculation and names of those who may have been killed in the media and social media. We accept that this is inevitable however we ask that people allow the police and coroner to release the names once the families are ready and appropriately supported.

“As you would expect the police response to this across Greater Manchester has been significant as we support people to go about their daily business.

 

“Part of this response has seen us arrest a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack and we have also carried out two warrants, one in Whalley Range and one in Fallowfield that included a controlled explosion to enable safe entry.

“We understand that feelings are very raw right now and people are bound to be looking for answers. However, now, more than ever, it is vital that our diverse communities in Greater Manchester stand together and do not tolerate hate.

““We have been visited by the Prime Minster and Home Secretary and we have taken them through the emergency response so far and what we plan to do in future days.

“I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last night’s atrocity has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. However, he has not yet been formally identified and I wouldn’t wish, therefore, to comment further.

“The priority remains to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.”

 

17:15: MM reporter Tom George with pictures from the scene of the vigil as crowds flock to pay tribute. Some people are making their voices heard, like a form of protest. 

17:05: Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross (and their £50,000 donation) have launched an appeal for people affected by the devastating attack in Manchester.

The fund will support people who have been injured or bereaved by the attack. The donations will help alleviate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.

To donate go to www.redcross.org.uk/manchester or call 0300 456 4999 – People can also donate via British Red Cross shops.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Eddy Newman, said:

“The We Love Manchester Emergency Fund has been established to swiftly provide funds to the families of victims of the attack at the Manchester Arena, to help them to cope at this incredibly difficult time.

 

 

“The fund will make payments to help families who are in need – including those who are faced with funeral costs and individuals who may have suffered life limiting injuries.

“The fund has been established after countless people, from Manchester and from around the world, expressed their desire to help.

“We are incredibly grateful to the huge amount of people reaching out to offer their support. This incredible response is a testament to the true spirit of the city of Manchester, which remains open for business despite this horrific attack.”

Mike Adamson, Chief Executive of the British Red Cross, said: “The people of Manchester have suffered a terrible tragedy. This is a time when people can come together. Our volunteers are there, helping people affected by this attack. Many people around the world have expressed their solidarity.

“Our hearts are with the family and friends of those affected by this horrendous attack. We are launching this appeal together with Manchester City Council to support those people who are dealing with the trauma and aftermath of this tragedy.

 

“Today, our Red Cross principles – to alleviate human suffering and promote mutual understanding and friendship – seem especially relevant. We stand together with the people of Manchester.”

 

17:00: Love from all parts of Manchester flooding in.

16:50: We have various MM reporters in Albert Square for the vigil, with the tributes already visible and emotions undoubtedly running high.

16:40: Theresa May is in Albert Square for tonight’s hour-long vigil starting at 6pm.

 

 

16:35: Take That cancel Manchester Arena appearances this week. The group were due to perform at the venue in front of thousands on Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May.

 

 

 

16:20: The streets are literally full of people wanting to help and support anyone who’s been affected by the attack at Manchester Arena.

 

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16:10: A virtual book of condolence has been set up for people to leave messages for those killed and injured in the terror attack.

You can leave your message HERE.

 

16:08: The University of Salford’s Dr Samantha Newbery, lecturer in contemporary intelligence studies, praises security services as she hopes for swift justice.

“What makes this attack very unusual and particularly shocking is that many of the victims were very young and my thoughts go out to the families affected,” she said in a statement.

“We know that there are security checks for people going in to the arena, we don’t yet know if that’s the case for people entering the arena at the end of the show, which seems to be what’s happened in this case.

“Of course even if security at a venue is very tight there are still going to be crowds of people coming out at the end into an area that’s much harder to protect in that way.

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“We should remember that the security services do a fantastic job in preventing plots, and there are actions to prevent plots that are down to quite an advanced stage of planning, down to all the work that’s done around stopping people becoming radicalised in the first place.

“We should remember that but of course there are these incidents where attacks are still able to happen.

“It does seem that help would have been required to build a device that complex. A lot of that information is available online despite the authorities constantly working hard to take that kind of thing down. But to what extent this person really was tied into other people, whether they were just inspired by what other people were saying online or in person, or whether they were actively involved in a terrorist organisation, we might find out.

“It remains to be seen who this attacker was. Hopefully it will become clearer over the coming days, the authorities will release information on this particular individuals motivations and whether they really were attached of just inspired by so called Islamic state or something else.”

 

16:00: Manchester, doing us all proud. 

15:50: Mancunians are being warned that while they shouldn’t be afraid to travel, they should be ‘vigilant’ when using public transport. 

Jon Lamonte, Chief Executive of TfGM, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Transport for Greater Manchester are with all those affected by this horrific event.

“People should not be afraid to travel, however we would ask people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious or concerns to the police, keep their belongings with them at all times and ensure items are not left behind when leaving buses, trams or trains.

 

“Working together with our partners, including the emergency services, operators and local authorities, we are determined to keep Greater Manchester moving during this time.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and I’d strongly advise anyone looking to travel in and around Greater Manchester to continue to check the TfGM, Metrolink websites and Twitter feeds.”

 

15:40: Greater Manchester Police are eager for members of the public to check their dashcams. The footage could be vital to their investigation. 

 

 

 

15:25: Bright and sunny in Manchester today, the city will not be cowed, expect the vigil to be a huge show of solidarity.

15:15: We’ll have more from MM reporter Tom George, live at the vigil, later this afternoon and into the evening, but for now you can read his eyewitness report of being caught in the Arndale Centre panic earlier today.

As I walked through the Northern Quarter I passed the Holiday Inn on Goadsby Street where press packs were interviewing some of the children who had reportedly been offered refuge there overnight.

After this, I headed down past Shudehill and made my way to the Arndale Centre. I entered the shopping centre from the entrance closest to the Printworks with the intention of seeing whether people were still going about their day-to-day life as normal.

As I walked past Topman and River Island, it seemed as though all of the shops were open, although they were understandably quieter than usual.

But, as I turned the corner and made my way past WH Smith towards the Market Street exit, I heard screams coming from the opposite side of the Arndale.

The next thing I knew, people were running around the corner, some screaming, others shouting “Run!”. I turned around and headed back in the direction I had come from. 

One of the things that struck me was how the chaos and fear took a hold of everybody around me so quickly. Nobody could see what was going on at the other side of the shopping centre, and although some have reported a loud bang or gun shots, I did not hear anything.

Soon, everyone was running from both directions, including security staff. The exit to Exchange Square was cordoned off by police as part of their operation and the doors to this area were guarded by a security guard and appeared to be locked.

With this being the closest way out, many of us made our way to this exit as a security guard frantically attempted to open a door. There must have been hundreds of people trying to get through one door before a man in front of me shouted “Open the fucking doors,” and kicked one in.

As people filtered down the stairs onto Corporation Street, the reactions of police officers seemed to suggest that this was serious, and not just a case of high tension leading to people panicking.

I was one of the first out, but hundreds followed, running frantically down Corporation Street towards the junction with Market Street.

 

As I reached the edge of the police cordon, I looked around me. Some people were in tears, others were staring around in disbelief at what had just happened.

The police cordon was moved back to include the Arndale Centre, and police confirming that it had been evacuated due to a suspicious package, with a man also being arrested.

Thankfully, this was just a scare and nothing on the scale of the harrowing scenes we witnessed at the Arena last night, but Manchester is a certainly tense place to be today.

14:50: A number of people are still missing following last night’s attack.

Friends and relatives are frantically searching for their loved ones, with many taking to social media for help.

Amongst those whose whereabouts is still unknown is 15-year-old Olivia Campbell. 

The teen has not been heard from since she went to the concert with friend Adam Lawler.

While Adam is currently being treated for his injuries, Olivia hasn’t answered her phone since the explosion at roughly 10:30pm.

Olivia’s mum Charlotte has appealed for information to anyone who might have seen Olivia, who has long brown hair, is around 5″7 and has a nose piercing. 

 

14:30: A 26-year-old man has been named as the third victim from last night’s attack at Manchester Arena.

John Atkinson, from Bury, died when a bomber targetted gig-goers leaving the venue following an Ariana Grande concert.

Tributes have been pouring in for him on social media sites.

A total of 22 people lost their life in the blast in the foyer of the arena.

Earlier today, 18-year-old old Georgina Callander was named as the first victim. Later, it was revealed that eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos died from her injuries.

The youngster is believed to have been separated from her mum and sister during the incident – both of whom are currently being treated for injuries.

Saffie – who attended Tarleton Community Primary School near Preston – has already been the subject of several tributes.

Head teacher Chris Upton told the Guardian: “Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone.”

 

14:15: Pope Francis is ‘deeply saddened’ following the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

A message from the Vatican reads: “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the barbaric attack in Manchester,” read a telegram sent in his name.

“And he expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.

“He commends the generous efforts of the emergency and security personnel, and offers the assurance of his prayers for the injured, and for all who have died.

“Mindful in a particular way of those children and young people who have lost their lives, and of their grieving families, Pope Francis invokes God’s blessings of peace, healing and strength upon the nation.”

 

 

14:05: Harun Khan, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, had this to say earlier:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life an the next.

“I pay tribute to the police and emergency services who have valiantly saved lives last night.

“They were helped by civilians who rushed into offer their support.

“I urge all those in the region and around the county to pool together to support those affected.”

 

14:00: Manchester comedian Jason Manford published this emotional video on Facebook.

 

13:45: Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that warrants were executed in Whalley Range and Fallowfield. 

A controlled explosion took place in the latter property in Elsmore Road, off Wilbraham Road.

 

13:32: An eight-year-old girl is the second victim to be named from last night’s horrific attack at Manchester Arena. 

Saffie Rose Roussos died of her injuries after she was caught up in the blast following the Ariana Grande concert. 

The youngster is believed to have been separated from her mum and sister during the incident – both of whom are currently being treated for injuries.

Saffie – who attended Tarleton Community Primary School near Preston – has already been the subject of several tributes.

Head teacher Chris Upton told the Guardian: “Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone.”

 

13:15: Greater Manchester Police has warned that the casualty bureau number has changed.

With 59 being injured and members of the public concerned about a number of missing people, the number to call is now 0800 096 0095.

 

12:52: Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the attack at Manchester Arena. 

The group say that say one of its members was behind the explosion that killed 22 people and injured a further 59.

 

12:40: Ariana Grande is allegedly postponing her world tour.

The pop princess – who was performing at Manchester Arena during last night’s attack – was due to singing at the O2 in London on Thursday.

According to TMZ, she’d put that show on hold – along with upcoming concerts in Belgium, Poland, Germany and Switzerland. 

 

 

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on

 

The 23-year-old broke her silence after the deadly attack, revealing she was ‘broken’ to her fans on Twitter. 

She wrote: “broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.”

 

12:25: More to come from MM reporter Tom George, who was caught up in the panic in the Arndale Centre, but first this town centre security plea from GMP:

12:20: The Queen and Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprint king who ran the Great City Games in Manchester in 2009, have also Tweeted their sympathy while a book of condolences has been opened in the Town Hall.

 

 

12:17: A former police officer believes that the explosion that took 22 lives at the Manchester Arena may have been ‘dockyard confetti’. 

Chris Phillips told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It sounds like this was a strapped on suicide belt and also from what we just heard, perhaps, with what we call dockyard confetti which is the little bits of nuts and bolts that are attached to the vest.

“And those unfortunately are there deliberately to kill people and that’s the whole purpose of them.

“This does look like a step up and my worry, and I think the police’s worry now, is that this person probably wasn’t acting alone and there are other people that need to be captured.”

 

12:11: Uefa statement on security ahead of the Europa League final tomorrow night:

12:10: Manchester United’s Europa League final opponents Ajax Amsterdam on Twitter. The two European giants of football meet tomorrow evening in Stockholm.

12:05: Back to town where the Arndale situation is unclear.

12:00: Police pictured in Chorlton earlier today around the time of the arrest.

11:57: Greater Manchester Police has made an arrest in connection with the attack at Manchester Arena.

 

 

 

11:50: ‘A more cohesive town and more human world’ – Bolton Faith Leaders’ Forum issue statement:

11:45: Here’s what Theresa May had to say earlier outside 10 Downing Street:

She spent the morning chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Office Meeting Room (COBRA) to discuss the incident and was expected to address raising the terror level to severe.

“We now know that a single terrorist detonated his IED near one of the exits, deliberately choosing the time and place to cause maximum carnage.

“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice deliberately targeting children and defenseless young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.

 

“At terrible moments like these it is customary for leaders, politicians and other to condemn the perpetrators and declare that the terrorists will not win, but the fact that we have been there before, the fact that we need to say this again, does not make it any less true.

“For, as so often when we experienced the worst of humanity in Manchester last night, we also saw the best, the cowardice of the attacker met with the bravery of the emergency services and the people of Manchester.

“The attempt to divide us met countless acts of kindness that brought people closer together and in the days ahead those should be the things to remember.”

 

11:40: Sources have told MM that some shop workers have been ushered into the basement of the Arndale Centre while they wait for further direction.

The building has been evacuated. 

 

11:27: Shoppers and workers have fled the mall in panic.

 

11:21: Manchester City player Jesus Navas Tweets his support.

11:20: ‘Strangers comforting each other’. What Manchester is all about.

11:15: And from Matt Nicholls as the tributes pour in on a sombre morning.

11:10: More from Matthew Calderbank on the streets of Manchester.

11:05: Manchester mayor Andy Burnham thanks Home Secretary Amber Rudd. May confirms she will travel to Manchester later today.

11:00: Prime Minister Theresa May is speaking outside 10 Downing Street, labelling last night’s attack as “callous” and one of the worst seen in the UK. 

 

10:45: We heard from the chairman of the Sikh Federation (UK) at 840am and here’s an example of their kindness in such a trying time.

10:40: Tributes from sports teams in Manchester will be coming throughout the day but one of Manchester United’s past greats, Cristiano Ronaldo, has tweeted his support.

10:35: And MM reporter Fran Marshall has this comment from Mike Stredder, director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant: “We are responding to last night’s events in Manchester.

“Our thoughts are with the people affected by this tragic incident. We do have all the blood required for hospital patients at the present time.

“If you have an appointment to give blood in the next few days, please do your best to keep it, particularly if you are blood group O negative.”

 

10:30: Stockport County FC take a bow. Only a quarter of an hour into their regular blood donation session at Edgeley Park today and already 40 people have shown up.

10:25: Incredibly sad news filtering through of the first named victim as Manchester continues to show its support and solidarity. MM reporters Matt Nicholls and Matthew Calderbank are on the streets with updates.

10:15: 

10:10: An 18-year-old girl has been named as the first victim from the attack at Manchester Arena.

Georgina Callander is one of 22 people who was killed in the incident at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday. A further 59 are injured. 

A close friend confirmed that the teenager had sadly died to the Evening Standard.

Since then dozens of people have been paying tribute on social media.

 

10:05: A reminder of the emergency numbers GMP are urging people to call.

10:00:

9:50: 

9:30: Salford City Major Paul Dennott has praised those members of the public who offered support during last night’s ‘dreadful’ attack on Manchester.

He said:  “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this dreadful attack. Salford City Council has offered support to Manchester City Council and partner agencies and we will open a book of condolence later today to allow people to send messages of support to those caught up in this appalling incident and the flag will be flying at half-mast.

“It was heartening to see the response of people last night to this tragic incident – first responders and emergency services rushed in while members of the public opened their homes and offered lifts and support. It’s humanity like this that will get us through these difficult times and keep us strong.

“I would also like to reiterate the comments made by the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Ian Hopkins.                                                                        

“Terrorists attempt to disrupt our lives and create distrust and fear in communities. We have a long history in Greater Manchester of communities standing together during difficult times. In the coming days we will be working closely with community leaders to address any issues.

“Today is a day to mourn the dead, to pray with their families and with the injured, and to reaffirm our determination that those who murder and maim will never defeat us.”

 

9:05: The Bishop of Manchester David Walker has called upon churches around Greater Manchester to accommodate people who wish to pray for those killed or injured in the attack at Manchester Arena.

He said: “Today is a day to mourn the dead, to pray with their families and with the injured, and to reaffirm our determination that those who murder and maim will never defeat us.

 “Like other great cities, Manchester is an obvious target for terrorists to choose. What makes this latest atrocity particularly dreadful is the deliberate choice of a concert known to attract very young fans. Many lives will be lived out, impacted by this tragedy for long years to come. Others have had decades of life ripped away from them.

“There is a proper anger and rage in the face of events like this. Our challenge will be to direct that rage and anger to be a force for good. We will rally around the victims and their families. We will unite across our diversity, drawing close especially to any that the terrorists would seek to separate us from. And we will rebuild and repair the damage to our city, as we have done before.

“Today is a day to mourn, and I would ask churches throughout Greater Manchester and beyond to make space and time for people who wish to come into their buildings and pray. But today is also a day to begin our response. A response that will crush terrorism not by violence but by the power of love. A love which Christians celebrate especially now in Eastertide.”

8:41: Bhai Amrik Singh, Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), responding to news of the terror attack at the Manchester Arena:

“The lives of 22, including children have horrifically been cut short by this evil act of terror.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured in this vile attack.” 

“The suicide bomber who mindlessly targeted innocent young people in the Manchester Arena must have been deranged.  The brave emergency services have once again responded quickly and professionally to this appalling incident that many would not have previously faced.”
“I would like to applaud Sikhs living and working in Manchester who immediately came to the support of those caught up in the terror attack.  This ranged from Sikh taxi drivers who drove people away from the danger to our Gurdwaras who opened their doors to help strangers.”
 

00:35: Mr Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of Manchester based Ramadhan Foundation who was subjected to death threats from reformist groups in 2013 for work against terrorism, said:

“It is with great sadness that there has been an explosion at Manchester Arena which has tragically led to fatalities as confirmed by the police.  Our initial response should be one of Solidarity, condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. 

“Secondly Greater Manchester Police are a great force that is tonight doing a great job alongside the emergency services. I salute their professionalism and dedication. 

“I love the city of Manchester and am so proud of the city coming together. Tonight we have seen cab drivers giving free rides to those stranded, hotels and bars taking in the distressed and survivors and Mancunians showing compassion to their fellow citizens and guests of our city. 

“One thing is certain, Manchester and our citizens will stand united and will show our compassion for the victims, their families and the survivors. I cannot stress enough how much our city means to us.”

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