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Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest
(35 minutes later)
4.56pm BST
16:56
The three Take That concerts due to take place at the Manchester Arena later this week have been postponed, the venue said this afternoon.
pic.twitter.com/HkR9ilSTSt
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Here is Theresa May signing the book of condolence at Manchester town hall.
Theresa May signs a book of condolence at Manchester town hall after the terror attack at the city's arena pic.twitter.com/L5BDBvAwNc
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Sarah Marsh
A crowdfunding page set up by the Manchester Evening News has raised more than £360,000 since being set up and the total continues to rise. By 11.15am, more than 1,700 supporters had donated £28,000, and by about midday the figure hit £50,000.
One person who donated left a message that read: “My heart is with you all. I am deeply saddened by the recent events. I pray you are all OK and for those that have sadly passed away I pray you are safe in heaven.”
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This is what Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, said about the Manchester attack at a news conference.
The whole House of Representatives extends its condolences to the families of the victims. Our prayers are especially with those who are still searching for their children.
I don’t know – maybe it’s because I am a father of teenagers, but that is the part that keeps me coming back to this. I mean, think about the kids who had this date on their calendar circled. Think about the kids who got their parents to agree to take them to the concert. Or maybe it was a birthday present, or maybe it was a surprise.
Or think about the kids who went to the concert with their friends on the agreement that they would get together and meet their parents outside right after it. Those are the kinds of conversations that go on in families with teenagers. And then all those moms and dads waiting outside when disaster struck – think about that for a second. Many rushing in, hoping to God and fearing the worst.
To deliberately target innocent children is cowardice in its most heinous form. So we should not be surprised that Isis has claimed responsibility for this attack. But we will never bow or bend to radical Islamic terror.
In Manchester, we have seen hotels taking in survivors. We have seen local residents offering beds to those who are stranded. We have seen taxi cabs driving back and forth through the night, offering free rides to bring people to safety. And as we speak, people on social media are reaching out to connect families with their loved ones.
Terror is a threat that we all face together – and with our might, and with our humanity too. In that spirit, I want to express solidarity of the whole House of Representatives to prime minister May and her government. We stand ready to help in any way we can. Because freedom, compassion, and peace will always prevail over violence and hate.
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Downing Street has held a special lobby briefing this afternoon to update journalists on what the government has been doing in relation to the Manchester attack. The prime minister’s spokesman did not have anything new to say about the police investigation, and most of the points that emerged were process-related.
May has spoken on the phone today with the American president Donald Trump, the French president Emmanuel Macron, the Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni and the Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. All expressed their support for Britain following the attack. Further calls with world leaders are expected later today.
She spoke to Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, at 4am to discuss the suspension of the election campaign.
She was informed about the attack shortly after it happened. She was in Downing Street at the time, and was alerted by officials.
She still plans to attend the Nato and G7 summits later this week. At the G7 summit May is due to lead a discussion on counter-terrorism, something planned before last night’s attack.
She visited the incident room when she went to Greater Manchester police HQ earlier today to thank staff. She also met the chief constable, Ian Hopkins, the Greater Manchester fire chief Peter O’Reilly, the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, and the council leader Richard Leese.
She will chair another Cobra meeting in Downing Street later today.
The spokesman refused to say whether the suicide bomber was linked to Islamic extremism, or whether he was known to the authorities. The spokesman said the police were still working on confirming the man’s identity.
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Frances PerraudinFrances Perraudin
Residents in Elsmore Road where police carried out a controlled explosion and raided a home saw armed police conducting the operation. Residents in Elsmore Road, where police carried out a controlled explosion and raided a home, saw armed police conducting the operation.
Tina Ward, 32, says she came out of her home at around midday to see around thirty armed police flooding into the front garden of a neighbouring property. Tina Ward, 32, says she came out of her home at about midday to see about 30 armed police flooding into the front garden of a neighbouring property.
She says the raided house is home to a big Asian family with sons. “They seem to be quiet,” she says. “I’ve been in my house ten years and they’ve been there longer than me.” She says the raided house is home to a big Asian family with sons. “They seem to be quiet,” she says. “I’ve been in my house 10 years and they’ve been there longer than me.”
Farazans Kosur lives on Thelwall Ave, around the corner from the raided house. She says she knew the family in the house, though not very well.She said the family had sons in their twenties, and a younger son and daughter. The older sons would wear religious dress and attend mosque. The mother was a “very nice woman” and taught Kosur’s friend’s daughter to read the Quran.“It’s terrible,” she says. “I hate the bombing and everybody is scared.... It’s a nice area. We’ve had no problems.” Farazans Kosur lives on Thelwall Avenue, around the corner from the raided house. She says she knew the family in the house, though not very well.
She said the family had sons in their 20s and a younger son and daughter. The older sons would wear religious dress and attend a mosque. The mother was a “very nice woman” and taught Kosur’s friend’s daughter to read the Qur’an.
“It’s terrible,” she says. “I hate the bombing and everybody is scared … It’s a nice area. We’ve had no problems.”
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The exams regulator Ofqual has announced that pupils affected by the Manchester bombing may qualify for “special consideration” for sitting this summer’s GCSEs, A-levels and other exams.Earlier, Ofqual said it was up to headteachers whether they wanted to postpone exams. In an update it said there were no plans to cancel exams, but pupils affected by the attack would be treated fairly. It said:The exams regulator Ofqual has announced that pupils affected by the Manchester bombing may qualify for “special consideration” for sitting this summer’s GCSEs, A-levels and other exams.Earlier, Ofqual said it was up to headteachers whether they wanted to postpone exams. In an update it said there were no plans to cancel exams, but pupils affected by the attack would be treated fairly. It said:
“We have met with exam boards today to discuss our collective response to the tragic events in Manchester last night.“We have met with exam boards today to discuss our collective response to the tragic events in Manchester last night.
“We know some students from schools and colleges sitting GCSEs, AS and A-levels, as well as other vocational and technical qualifications, are likely to have been affected. Today’s exams have gone ahead as planned and there are no plans to cancel or postpone others.“We know some students from schools and colleges sitting GCSEs, AS and A-levels, as well as other vocational and technical qualifications, are likely to have been affected. Today’s exams have gone ahead as planned and there are no plans to cancel or postpone others.
“We recognise that the impact of these events may not be just short term. We will continue to work closely with exam boards over coming days to gauge the impact on individual schools and colleges, and to make sure that special consideration options are considered and applied appropriately and fairly if students have been affected.”“We recognise that the impact of these events may not be just short term. We will continue to work closely with exam boards over coming days to gauge the impact on individual schools and colleges, and to make sure that special consideration options are considered and applied appropriately and fairly if students have been affected.”
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Richard AdamsRichard Adams
Anne Longfield, the children’s commissioner for England, has urged adults to “find a way to tell our children what has happened”. She said:Anne Longfield, the children’s commissioner for England, has urged adults to “find a way to tell our children what has happened”. She said:
“It is difficult to comprehend the brutality of the bombing in Manchester which specifically targeted the most vulnerable group in our society – children and young people. This horrific and cowardly attack was aimed at an audience for a pop star with a huge young following, a fact that could not have been overlooked by whoever planned such an atrocity.“It is difficult to comprehend the brutality of the bombing in Manchester which specifically targeted the most vulnerable group in our society – children and young people. This horrific and cowardly attack was aimed at an audience for a pop star with a huge young following, a fact that could not have been overlooked by whoever planned such an atrocity.
“This senseless and barbaric act has robbed a group of children (one as young as eight) and teenagers with their lives ahead of them, of their hopes and dreams. For those killed these will never be realised, for those injured they may be irreparably altered.“This senseless and barbaric act has robbed a group of children (one as young as eight) and teenagers with their lives ahead of them, of their hopes and dreams. For those killed these will never be realised, for those injured they may be irreparably altered.
“Today, as adults, we must find a way to tell our children what has happened. To find the courage to help them understand and give them the reassurance and love they need to deal with such terrible news.”“Today, as adults, we must find a way to tell our children what has happened. To find the courage to help them understand and give them the reassurance and love they need to deal with such terrible news.”
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Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
James Corden paid tribute to Manchester on CBS’s the Late Late Show on Monday night.“It’s famous all over the world for so many wonderful things,” the visibly shaken host of the US chat show said. James Corden paid tribute to Manchester on CBS’s the Late Late Show on Monday night.
“It’s famous all over the world for so many wonderful things,” the visibly shaken host of the US chat show said.
“Great football teams, Man City. Man United. Incredible music, Oasis and Joy Division. It was the birthplace of the leader of the suffragettes, it’s the home of the inventor of the first computer. It’s a place full of comedy and curries and character.“Great football teams, Man City. Man United. Incredible music, Oasis and Joy Division. It was the birthplace of the leader of the suffragettes, it’s the home of the inventor of the first computer. It’s a place full of comedy and curries and character.
“But when I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there, and I’m telling you a more tight-knit group of people you will be hard-pressed to find. Strong, proud, caring people with community at its core and, if it was even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Manchester tonight, all of the staff at the MEN Arena, all of the security teams, all of the emergency teams, Ariana and her team and all of those families affected by tonight.”“But when I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there, and I’m telling you a more tight-knit group of people you will be hard-pressed to find. Strong, proud, caring people with community at its core and, if it was even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Manchester tonight, all of the staff at the MEN Arena, all of the security teams, all of the emergency teams, Ariana and her team and all of those families affected by tonight.”
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Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
Royal Manchester children’s hospital has shared photographs of boxes of food that have been donated by the public and local businesses for NHS staff and families affected. They included crisps, popcorn, drinks and pastries. The hospital tweeted to say: “We are overwhelmed by gifts … Thank you.”Royal Manchester children’s hospital has shared photographs of boxes of food that have been donated by the public and local businesses for NHS staff and families affected. They included crisps, popcorn, drinks and pastries. The hospital tweeted to say: “We are overwhelmed by gifts … Thank you.”
Just some of the generous donations to our staff from local business & public. #thankyou #rmchfamily pic.twitter.com/Lth8JxgHASJust some of the generous donations to our staff from local business & public. #thankyou #rmchfamily pic.twitter.com/Lth8JxgHAS
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Injured had metal bolts in their bodiesInjured had metal bolts in their bodies
Relatives of a woman missing in the attack told South West News that victims were left with metal bolts embedded in their bodies.Relatives of a woman missing in the attack told South West News that victims were left with metal bolts embedded in their bodies.
Paul Dryhurst’s niece, Kelly Brewster, 32, is feared to have been killed when she visited the arena with her sister, Claire Booth, and Booth’s daughter, Hollie, 11.Paul Dryhurst’s niece, Kelly Brewster, 32, is feared to have been killed when she visited the arena with her sister, Claire Booth, and Booth’s daughter, Hollie, 11.
All three were caught in the blast and Booth, 34, and Hollie were today being treated in hospital for horrific shrapnel wounds.All three were caught in the blast and Booth, 34, and Hollie were today being treated in hospital for horrific shrapnel wounds.
Speaking from his home in Sheffield, Dryhurst said Booth and Hollie were having bolts surgically removed from their bodies.Speaking from his home in Sheffield, Dryhurst said Booth and Hollie were having bolts surgically removed from their bodies.
Dryhurst, a 59-year-old lorry driver, said: “Kelly has shielded Hollie and Claire from the damage.Dryhurst, a 59-year-old lorry driver, said: “Kelly has shielded Hollie and Claire from the damage.
“The three were walking out in single file, with Claire in front, Hollie behind her and Kelly behind her. When the bomb has gone off the impact has broken Claire’s jaw and broken Hollie’s legs. They are both currently in hospital having nuts and bolts removed from all places.”“The three were walking out in single file, with Claire in front, Hollie behind her and Kelly behind her. When the bomb has gone off the impact has broken Claire’s jaw and broken Hollie’s legs. They are both currently in hospital having nuts and bolts removed from all places.”
He said his niece, Kelly, was still missing. Dryhurst said “After the impact Claire had gone to Hollie, but when she looked up she couldn’t find Kelly. They lost her in all the commotion.He said his niece, Kelly, was still missing. Dryhurst said “After the impact Claire had gone to Hollie, but when she looked up she couldn’t find Kelly. They lost her in all the commotion.
Paul added: “We’ve now not heard anything for so long and holding on to the old saying ‘no news is good news’, but the longer it goes on, the worse it feels.”Paul added: “We’ve now not heard anything for so long and holding on to the old saying ‘no news is good news’, but the longer it goes on, the worse it feels.”
Sheffield woman Kelly Brewster missing after Manchester attack: https://t.co/1oafCmwDjo pic.twitter.com/xAvR0wr8TCSheffield woman Kelly Brewster missing after Manchester attack: https://t.co/1oafCmwDjo pic.twitter.com/xAvR0wr8TC
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Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Theresa May, has arrived at Manchester’s children’s hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary to meet victims of the attack and staff.Theresa May, has arrived at Manchester’s children’s hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary to meet victims of the attack and staff.
May arrived in a black Jaguar and was escorted into the hospital entrance by royal and specialist protection officers from the Metropolitan police.May arrived in a black Jaguar and was escorted into the hospital entrance by royal and specialist protection officers from the Metropolitan police.
The prime minister is expected to talk to patients and staff in a visit not expected to last longer than 30 minutes.The prime minister is expected to talk to patients and staff in a visit not expected to last longer than 30 minutes.
Twelve children under 16 are being treated at the children’s hospital and nine adults are being treated at the MRI.Twelve children under 16 are being treated at the children’s hospital and nine adults are being treated at the MRI.
The prime minister, Theresa May, arrives at Manchester children's hospital, where she is to visit victims of the arena bomb attack. pic.twitter.com/vYuVM6YMPxThe prime minister, Theresa May, arrives at Manchester children's hospital, where she is to visit victims of the arena bomb attack. pic.twitter.com/vYuVM6YMPx
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The former prime minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah have tweeted this.The former prime minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah have tweeted this.
A heartbreaking time of sadness, grief and tears for so many young lives lost and injured in Manchester. Thoughts with all the families.A heartbreaking time of sadness, grief and tears for so many young lives lost and injured in Manchester. Thoughts with all the families.
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Julian BorgerJulian Borger
The US director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, has just returned from London, where he said he had spent a lot of time with intelligence colleagues discussing security threats to the UK and US.The US director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, has just returned from London, where he said he had spent a lot of time with intelligence colleagues discussing security threats to the UK and US.
“It once again reminds us. This threat is real. It is not going away and needs significant attention to do everything we can do to protect our people,” Coats told a congressional committee.“It once again reminds us. This threat is real. It is not going away and needs significant attention to do everything we can do to protect our people,” Coats told a congressional committee.
On Islamic State involvement in the Manchester bombing, Coats said the US intelligence community “have not verified, yet, the connection”.On Islamic State involvement in the Manchester bombing, Coats said the US intelligence community “have not verified, yet, the connection”.
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This is from António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general.
My heart is with people of Manchester & all victims of terrorism. We must stand together against violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
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Josh Halliday
Armed police have arrived at the Etihad stadium, where friends and family of victims are being supported by family liaison officers and British Red Cross staff.
Speaking outside the stadium, British Red Cross worker Niall Pemberton said he had been helping the families since 8am, when the first relatives began to arrive.
He said: “We have got a mixture of families in there going through a range of emotions. Different people at different stages of emotion.
“We are there to provide people with the opportunity to offload. We are here because of some of the expertise we have supporting friends and families.”
There has been a steady trickle of volunteers bringing food, water and pizza to the stadium throughout the day.
Armed police have now arrived at the Etihad pic.twitter.com/Ukoo2ynnzl
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Emmanuel Macron, the French president, walked to the British embassy in Paris (it is close to the Elysée Palace) to sign the book of condolences for victims of the Manchester attack.
#Manchester Macron, Philippe, Le Drian et De Sarnez se rendent à pied à l'ambassade du Royaume-Uni pic.twitter.com/Qer6Ui3hH9
#Manchester: Emmanuel Macron signe le registre de condoléances à l'ambassade britannique pic.twitter.com/rqcXf4lHbW
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Jamie Grierson
Manchester remains jumpy. As doctors and nurses cared for patients at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and Manchester Children’s hospital, a fire alarm forced the evacuation of the hospital.
A single fire engine arrived and the staff and patients were able to return shortly after they were evacuated.
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This is what Theresa May said when asked what would be done to ensure that people and their children going to music concerts and festivals over the summer will be safe.
Well, the police and others will of course be looking at the security of venues to ensure that people can continue to enjoy summer events, feeling secure, and enjoy those events.
What is clear is that we are ensuring that resources are available for the police in order to be able to do the job that they need to do.
This was a horrendous attack, absolutely horrific, barbaric in its nature, but what I’m also clear about is that we will not let the terrorists win. Our values will prevail.
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The Metropolitan police is reviewing security plans for upcoming events in the capital.
Police could be deployed to smaller events that have not been policed in the past, it said.
There will also be an increase in armed and unarmed officers on patrols around key locations and crowded places.
A full review of the security and policing operations for the weekend’s sporting events at Wembley and Twickenham is also under way.
Operation Hercules, involving the deployment of a range of armed officers, will be stepped up. Commander Jane Connors said:
“We are determined to do all we can to protect the capital. That means that over the coming days as you go to a music venue, go shopping, travel to work or head off to the fantastic sporting events you will see more officers, including armed officers.
“We are used to delivering policing operations that seek to mitigate against the severe threat we face from terrorists. It is only right that we now take time to review those existing plans and make sure we are confident that we are doing all we can.
“As you are out and about in London please be alert – call us immediately if you see something suspicious. If you are at an event and something worries you, go straight to a police officer or security guard and tell them.
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The BBC is playing a clip of an interview with Theresa May in Manchester.
She says an “absolutely callous” act has taken place.
She has spoken to the police about the inquiry. They are working to see if the attacker was part of a wider group.
Q: The youngest victim named was eight.
May says this is a “horrendous tragedy”. She is ensuring the police have the resources they need.
She thanks the police for their work. Officers turned up for work when they were off duty.
The terrorists must not prevail.
Q: What can you say to people worried if their children will be safe at concerts this summer?
May says the police will be looking at events to ensure that people are safe.
We must ensure our values prevail, she says.
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That vigil for the victims will take place between 6pm and 7pm, Manchester police has confirmed.
pic.twitter.com/7yJgFx998b
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Prince Charles has expressed his deep distress. In a statement, he said:
My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night.
That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness.
Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling at this incredibly difficult time and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way.
A message of condolence from The Prince of Wales following the attack in Manchester yesterday. https://t.co/5TWglsOxQP
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14:52
Frances Perraudin
Residents have gathered at the entrance to Elsmore Road in the suburb of Fallowfield, where police reportedly carried out a controlled explosion at about 12.30 today.
Many say they have heard that a man was arrested at gunpoint at this address, but I haven’t found anybody who actually saw it.
The road has been blocked off, there is a police helicopter overhead and scores of police officers can be seen outside a property at the end of the street. There is also a fire engine parked nearby.
Neville Edwards, who lives locally and whose mother’s house backs on to the property raided by police, said he came to see what was going on after he heard the explosion.
He says he doesn’t know the people who live in the house and, although there have been a few names “bandied about”, he isn’t familiar with any of them.
“The explosion rocked windows and my mum said it rocked her house,” he says. “There were people as far as Platt Lane, which is half a mile away, who felt it.”
He says it was “shocking and scary” for people in the area, given what happened last night. Lots of local parents went to pick children up from the local primary school when they heard it, he says. “There are a lot of families with young children in the area and they need reassuring that it’s under control.
“As you can see it’s a really close-knit area, with really good community links,” says Edwards. “Everybody knows everybody and people would do anything for each other, which makes it even more shocking that this has happened at an address in the area.”
Forensic officers were photographed searching an address in Elsmore Road.
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