A church which used an image of the Arena bomb to advertise services has taken down a huge banner after a ‘disgusted’ survivor complained.

Advertising outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Altrincham Road, Wythenshawe, featured a photograph showing armed police and paramedics at the Arena in the aftermath of the May 22 attack, in which 22 people were killed and hundreds injured.

Alongside the image were the words: ‘Are you prepared for possible disasters?’ and ‘Come on Saturday Jan 27th 11.00am to 1.00pm to see if we can help you’, along with an ‘I Love Manchester’ logo.

(Image: Joel Goodman)

The banner, close to the M56 motorway and Princess Parkway, was branded as ‘insensitive scaremongering’ by a man who was at the Ariana Grande concert on the fateful night.

The 30-year-old from Sale, who works near the church but asked not to be named, said: “I work here everyday and was at the Arena that night. I do not want reminding of that everyday when I come into work.

(Image: Joel Goodman)

"A lot of people have seen it and I do not think I am the first person to be disgusted by it.”

It’s understood the banner was put up last Thursday night. It was removed after the Manchester Evening News contacted the church.

Although not injured in the bombing, the man vividly recalls being caught up in the panic and fear as he left the Arena with friends.

“I was shocked when I first saw the banner,” he added. “The incident is still fresh in everyone’s minds.

“I would say it’s scaremongering - it’s the wording and the use of the picture”, he said of the banner.

“They could have used a general image of a hurricane or floods but armed officers and an ambulance? Everyone has been affected by what happened, not just people who were there."

Found in the 19th century by Joseph Smith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who are known as ‘Mormons’, are a worldwide faith movement, but hold a number of beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity.

A spokesman for the church said: “The imagery used on the banner did not portray what the event actually is intended to be, and was a misunderstanding. It certainly was not our intention to upset anyone and the banner was taken down as soon as we heard that it might have caused upset.

“In line with our desire to follow Christ’s example and seek to help people in taking care of themselves and others, the event is designed as an aid to be more self-reliant and prepared to face life’s challenges.

"Everybody from the local community is more than welcome to the free event on Saturday.”

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