Firefighters have spoken of their “shame” after being held back by bosses from helping victims of the Arena bomb.

No crews arrived at the scene until 90 minutes after the 10.33 attack.

Firefighters have told the M.E.N. they were aware that paramedics were in urgent need of back up in the aftermath of the bomb which left 22 dead and 120 injured but were prevented from going in.

Eventually five appliances were dispatched, but by then all of the dangerous work of entering the blasted Arena foyer to tend to badly hurt and dying victims had been done.

Now Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham who has responsibility for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, is considering ordering an independent review into decision making by brigade managers on the night of the attack.

Mr Burnham said: “I am aware of concerns from firefighters about the speed of the response to the terror attack at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. I am taking these concerns seriously and, at the appropriate time, they will be subject to a full evaluation and briefing.

“But they have to be seen in context. Large numbers of highly-trained professionals were on site within minutes providing support to people. I could not be more proud of all of Greater Manchester’s emergency services who, over the last 48 hours, have gone to incredible lengths to carry the city through this dark time.”

Mr Bunrham could decide to call for a full independent review after the evaluation.

On an internal brigade website, Save The UK Fire Service, there had been a call for the mayor to launch an investigation.

One firefighter slammed brigade bosses saying: “Their lack of leadership was reflected in the desperate pleas of North West Ambulance Service staff shouting that firefighters were needed at the scene. They were sat at Manchester Central fire station watching the incident unfold on TV. The station is half a mile from the incident.

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The nearest crews - based at Manchester Central - were sent two “pre-alerts” by their regional control room within a few minutes of the bomb going off.

They prepared to go to the scene, but were instead told to rendezvous at Philips Park station. They waited there for an hour, and were told they had to wait for “specialists” who had bulletproof overalls to arrive from Leigh and Heywood before being sent back to Manchester Central.

Finally they got the go-ahead to go.

Gary Keary, Fire Brigades Union, Brigade Secretary, said: “We have had a meeting with the County Fire Officer and we have raised initial concerns which will be included in a joint investigation.”

Matt Wrack, the national leader of the FBU attended the meeting between Manchester union officials and County Fire Officer, Peter O’Reilly.

(Image: Vincent Cole)

In an email to Mr O’Reilly just hours after the attack, one fireman says: “The more I see of the news the angrier I’m getting! What are we employed for if not to help people? I always classed us as the best emergency service, the people who would put ourselves at risk before any other service. I feel ashamed today.

“Yes, it’s terrifying for us as much as the next person but that’s what we’re employed for, to take the risk that others can’t or won’t. We have the trainng and resources to respond correctly and that’s exactly what we should have done.”

Mr Burnham added: “My first concern will always be for the families affected and I would ask everybody not to jump to conclusions in this moment when we’re still coming to terms with what has happened.

“What we can say is that this was an extremely serious, fast moving situation and the full nature of it did not become clear for a number of hours. In coming weeks we will have to understand what decisions were made and why.”