THE first victim to be named after an explosion ripped through crowds at an Ariana Grande concert had yesterday tweeted to the pop star, telling her how excited she was for the gig.

Georgina Callander, 18, had tragically written to the pop star yesterday, saying: "SO EXCITED TO SEE U TOMORROW".

24 Georgina was pictured with Ariana Grande almost two years ago Credit: Instagram

24 She tweeted yesterday that she couldn't wait to see her idol perform in Manchester

24 She shared photographs with Ariana after meeting her two years ago Credit: Instagram

24 Georgina Callander was the first Manchester terror attack victim to be named

24 She has been remembered as a girl who 'lit up a room'

24 Georgina died in hospital with her mother at her side

But a close friend told The Evening Standard she died after the suicide attack, with her mother at her bedside for her last moments.

Georgina, who was photographed with Ariana Grande when they met almost two years ago, has been described as a girl who "lit up the room" with the teen one of the 22 killed in the horrific attack.

Friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Georgina, with one writing: "Rest in peace Gina. I love you so incredibly much, you deserved the world & more. I'm so lucky to have met you and known you".

To my beautiful best friend I hope you rest in peace my darling 💛 I love you so much and will always miss you 💔 #manchesterattack pic.twitter.com/4CNlkNxoC9 — Sophie ミ☆ (@flosdeluca) May 23, 2017

24 Friends shared tributes to Gina

24 Scenes of carnage in the Manchester Arena foyer after the suicide bomb attack Credit: PA:Press Association

24 An injured woman is escorted from the arena by police after loud bangs were heard at the gig Credit: London News Pictures

24 A female police officer comforts a young fan after the atrocity Credit: Cavendish Press

24 The concert was packed with teens and young children

24 Stranded concert-goers wrapped in thermal blankets wait by police van after bombing Credit: Dave Nelson

24 The blast detonated in the box office as thousands of pop fans left the concert, many going to Victoria station

24 Wounded people on Hunts Bank outside Victoria Station Credit: London News Pictures

24 Witnesses reported thousands of screaming fans ran from the concert hall as armed police were called in Credit: London News Pictures

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE MANCHESTER ARENA ATTACK Today we launch a Together With Manchester appeal – to raise money for families of the victims of the Arena bomb. News UK, publisher of The Sun, has made a corporate donation of £100,000 to the appeal. Here's how you can show your support.... ONLINE: www.justgiving.com/TogetherWithManchester TEXT: Text TWMC50 and amount to 70070 – eg TWMC50 £5

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One friend wrote: "I am in shock that such an amazing night could end so horrendously, nobody should ever have to worry about not leaving a concert, of all things, safe."

She added: "My heart goes out to all those who lost friends and family last night. I love you so much Gina, you always lit up the room (and groupchat) and we are all so lucky to have ever had a friend like you."

Karen David, an actress who had met Georgina several weeks ago at a fan event, wrote a message saying: "It's not fair, it's not right.

"It makes me so angry and it breaks my heart that such a young and promising life has been stolen away!"

Singer Ariana Grande herself has reacted to the news, writing on Twitter that she was "broken". The singer wrote: "from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words."

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A statement from the school said: "It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday’s Manchester attack was one of our students here at Runshaw College.

"Georgina Callander was a former Bishop Rawstorne pupil studying with us on the second year of her Health and Social Care course

"Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina’s friends, family, and all of those affected by this loss.

"We are offering all available support possible at this tragic time, including counselling with our dedicated student support team."

John Atkinson is also among those killed in the tragedy.

More than 50 others were injured last night in what was the worst terror attack in the UK since 7/7.

Other families have desperately appealed for information about their loved ones, with mum Charlotte Campbell still searching for her 15-year-old daughter Olivia after the gig.

Witnesses told of seeing shards of metal tearing into concert-goers in the foyer area of the world-famous concert venue – leaving dozens lying in pools of blood.

The horrific blast could he heard echoing through the packed arena as families tried to make their way home as the concert came to an end just after 10.40pm.

24 Emergency crews were on the scene within minutes of the blast Credit: Matthew Pover

24 Paramedics attend to a blooded victim outside the arena Credit: Matthew Pover

24 Forensic teams search the bomb site for clues this morning Credit: Getty Images

24 Concert goers screamed and fled in panic as a terrorist detonated a huge bomb Credit: London News Pictures

24 Concert attendees leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion Credit: Getty Images

24 Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena Credit: Reuters

24 The scene at Manchester Royal Infirmary as the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack rose to 22 Credit: PA:Press Association

24 Flags have been lowered to half-mast in Downing Street in honour of the victims

24 A man carries some flowers to the scene of where 22 concert-goers have been reported killed Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Authorities have opened an emergency line for those concerned about loved ones.