People of Manchester praised for ‘spirit’ after concert attack

Tuesday, 23 May 2017 16:00

22 people were killed and 59 injured after a suspected terror attack in Manchester.

A suicide bomber detonated what is believed to be a homemade bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

A vigil is due to take place in Albert Square at 6pm this evening, 23 May.

The Arndale Centre in Manchester’s city centre was evacuated in the afternoon due to the discovery of a suspicious package. Witnesses reported seeing hundreds of people running and screaming during the police operation.

Chief Constable Dee Collins of West Yorkshire Police has said in a statement: “The public’s safety remains our top priority and we have already increased patrols of highly visible officers across West Yorkshire. This includes an increase in armed officers at key locations including transport hubs.”

The mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, praised the emergency services and the people of Manchester.

He said: "We are grieving today, but we are strong. Today it will be business as usual as far as possible in our great city.

I want to thank the hundreds of police, fire and ambulance staff who worked throughout the night in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

We have had messages of support from cities around the country and across the world, and we want to thank them for that.

But lastly I wanted to thank the people of Manchester. Even in the minute after the attack, they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger.

They gave the best possible immediate response to those who seek to divide us and it will be that spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together.”

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