
The mother of teenage terror bomb victim Georgina Callander broke down in tears at a vigil held in her daughter's memory tonight as her entire community came out to support her.

Leslie Callander laid down a yellow flower in tribute to her daughter before bursting into tears in her home village of Tarleton at a heartfelt memorial.

Ms Callander clutched a blanket and was supported by a young man just a matter of hours after her daughter was murdered by suicide bomber Salman Abedi at an Ariana Grande concert.

The joint vigil was also in memory of youngest victim Saffie Roussos, eight, who also lived in the village, with many young children among the 1,000-strong crowd lighting candles in memory of the victims.

John Atkinson, 26, was also named among the victims while Sheffield office worker Kelly Brewster and Megan Hurley were also confirmed to have died in the bombings tonight.

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Members of the public were overcome with emotion at the candlelit vigil to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack

Mourners left candles and bunches of flowers in memorial of those who were killed in the horror terror attack

It came just hours after thousands of people gathered in the centre of Manchester in a show of defiance against terrorism

This young woman was consoled as she burst into tears while looking at floral tributes in Manchester

Thousands of people gathered in the centre of Manchester in a show of defiance, declaring they will not be 'beaten' or 'intimidated' in the wake of the terror attack.

Crowds spilled from Albert Square on to nearby roads, standing together in an act of solidarity.

Many carried flags, posters and placards bearing the message 'I Love Manchester', pledging unity across the city.

Memorials were also held across the country in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and in Belfast as the UK showed solidarity with those in Manchester.

The flowers and candles were left in tribute almost 24 hours on from the terror attack on Manchester Arena that left 22 dead and dozens more injured

A vigil was also held in Albert Square which brought mourners from across the community

Tearful Leslie Callander, mother of victim Georgina, 18, laid a yellow flower down in memory of her daughter at a vigil in the village of Tarleton, Lancashire, also home to victim Saffie Roussos, eight

A joint vigil was held in the village for the girls and Ms Callander was pictured breaking down as a young man comforted her during the emotional occasion

Many of those attending were young children, left, around the same age as Saffie, while a teddy bear tribute was also left to the eight-year-old with a message saying there was 'another star in the sky'

Candles were lit and placed in the centre of Mark Square in Tarleton as around 1,000 people came out to pay their respects

When approached for a tribute to her daughter Georgina, Leslie replied: 'No, I can't.'

Around 1,000 people attended the vigil for Saffie Roussos and Georgina Callander which took place in front of friends and family as an entire community rallied together.

The girls lived less than two miles apart. Saffie's mother Lisa is understood to be fighting for life after being critically injured along with her eldest daughter.

Many pupils from Saffie's school cried as they laid flowers in Mark Square in the youngest confirmed victim's home village of Tarleton, near Preston, Lancashire.

Pink balloons were released in memory of lost ones after a two minute silence.

Many hugged and openly wept. At the end of the 20-minute vigil Ariana Grande's poignant Put Your Hearts Up was played in memory of the concert goers who were caught up injured and perished in the attack.

Local resident Gillian Blackley, echoing the sentiments of the community, said: 'We had to be here tonight to remember two local girls who have tragically died.

'Words cannot express how we are feeling and are hearts go out to their poor families and all the other victims.

'We'll do anything we can to help and support them.'

Bishop John Goddard addressed the crowd in Tarleton and told them the concert killings 'should never have been'

Much of the community turned out for the emotional memorial, with many people seen embracing, left, and messages of support and love left around the village, right

Addressing the droves of villagers, Bishop John Goddard told them: 'Why have we be drawn together here today?

'We are here to remember Georgina and Saffie - but also to remember their families.

'And to also remember those who went to an event thought to be a joyous occasion with mums and daughters. Sadly, however, it was a killing field.'

Parents held tightly to their loved ones a the vigil as other children cried in each other's arms.

Eight pink balloons were released into the sky as people laid flowers and lit candles to pay their respects to the Georgina and Saffie.

Describing the terrorist attack, Bishop Goddard said: 'It was an abhorrent of evil. It was not right.

He added: 'This horror should have never been.'

Thousands of people have gathered in the centre of Manchester, pictured, in a show of defiance, declaring they will not be 'beaten' or 'intimidated' in the wake of the terror attack

Crowds packed out Albert Square in the city, pictured, in central Manchester to pay tribute to the 22 victims

Some of the mourners carried flags displaying an 'I love Manchester' message as the city came together in solidarity after the horrific attack

Former England cricket star Andrew Flintoff, pictured, was among the thousands who came to Manchester for the vigil

Tearful mourners were pictured sitting down and embracing as the full weight of the attack hit home on the crowd

In Manchester, Lu Bowen, 40, brought flowers to lay as a mark of respect, and said it has been a 'horrific' day.

Standing alongside her teenage daughter Lucy, she said: 'We watched it all unfold last night.

'We felt we wanted to show a sense of solidarity and commitment that Manchester always has.

'When the chips are down, Manchester always pulls together.'

She said some of her friends felt nervous about the prospect of coming into the city on Tuesday night, adding: 'I personally just want to make a stand that even if my friends felt a bit nervous, I felt it was very important to prove that I won't be beaten, intimidated.

To emphasise the defiance in the face of terrorism, some of the attendees carried placards with messages including 'No Fear Here', pictured

Some of the mourners were visibly distraught at the memorial which took place just hours after the Ariana Grande concert was targeted

A group of Sikhs marched through the city to the vigil while singing, chanting and waving I Love Manchester flags, pictured

Others brought bouquets of flowers to lay at memorials in Albert Square, with some admitting they were 'nervous' coming to the city following the attack

Manchester Metro Mayor Andy Burnham, pictured, was one of the civic leaders to attend the vigil tonight, alongside Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow

'And also, people have lost loved ones. If it was me, I'd want to see this.'

Lucy said she had friends at the concert who were 'shaken up', adding: 'A few of them didn't come into school.'

Her mother said: 'It's been a horrific day. But we all feel the same here. We're here together.'

The crowds erupted into applause as the vigil began.

Senior figures including Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Speaker John Bercow joined Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham on stage.

Residents of all different faiths attended the solemn event in Manchester and heard Lord Mayor of Manchester Eddy Newman praise the work of the emergency services in responding to the atrocity

Candles were lit shortly before 6.30pm to signify the end of the vigil, but the crowds were invited to stay in the square for as long as they felt necessary

Members of Islamic charity Muslim Aid also attended the service carrying posters displaying the 'We Love Manchester' message, pictured

Lord Mayor of Manchester Eddy Newman said the vigil was a chance to 'express solidarity' with the victims.

He thanked the emergency services, prompting a rapturous response from the thousands of people gathered there.

Addressing the crowd, Greater Manchester Police's Ian Hopkins said: 'As your Chief Constable of Greater Manchester and as a father I cannot begin to imagine how anyone can carry out such an unthinkable act - murdering 22 people and injuring 59 - and my thoughts and those of my colleague are very much with their families at this incredibly difficult time.'

Candles were lit shortly before 6.30pm to signify the end of the vigil, but the crowds were invited to stay in the square for as long as they felt necessary.

Bishop of Manchester David Walker is pictured lighting a candle outside Manchester Town Hall in front of civic dignitaries

Thousands in Manchester clambered to lay down candles and flowers in Albert Square, with many standing in silence

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, left, and Home Secretary Amber Rudd, right, were among the political leaders to attend the vigil in Manchester

One woman was pictured preaching a message of peace in Manchester, holding a banner saying 'Hate does not resolve hate'

Mr Hopkins added: 'Last night, in the most atrocious circumstances, the people of Greater Manchester showed the world how much we care.

'How much we care about each other and how much we were prepared to help those in need.

'And I've heard some tremendous stories of doctors coming in to support and police officers, ambulance workers giving up their days off turning up to help those in need.'

Mr Hopkins thanked those who had worked 'tirelessly' through the night, 'members of the public for their solidarity' and 'the rest of the world for holding us in their thoughts'.

'We must all stand together and not let the terrorists defeat us, not let them stop us going about our daily business and create fear and we must all live in harmony with each other as we stand together and defeat terrorism,' he said.

'Good will always prevail' was the message from one memorial-goer who left the declaration of hope among candles and floral tributes, pictured in Manchester

The sheer size of the crowd in Manchester showed how many people were defiant against terrorism in the city

'We stand together' was another of the messages of solidarity to be spread throughout Manchester

One man was pictured wiping tears away as he lit a candle in memory of those killed and injured in Manchester by the terror attack

Many people at the vigil in Manchester were pictured comforting each other as the emotion of the occasion overwhelmed many

Many applauded poet Tony Walsh after he took to the stage in Manchester and praised the 'great city and region'

Poet Tony Walsh said: 'We stand here in a truly great city, in a truly great city region.

'It falls to me to try and sum up what makes this city, its people, its communities so great.'

He read his poem This Is The Place before adding: 'Forever Manchester. Choose love Manchester'.

The square fell silent as they remembered the lives of those who died.

Mr Walsh described the city as 'ace', hailed its 'brilliant music' and ability to 'make things from steel' and said Mancunians 'make people laugh' and 'welcome'.

In a poignant moment he referred to the 'Mancunian way to survive' and 'northern grit', and said: 'In the face of a challenge we always stand tall.'

In a poignant moment Mr Walsh referred to the 'Mancunian way to survive' and 'northern grit', and said: 'In the face of a challenge we always stand tall'

Those in the crowd heard Manchester described as 'ace', with the city's industry, music and friendly nature also praised

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, pictured, and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, right, were also among the political figures to attend the vigil in Manchester

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Manchester attended the vigil with a banner stating 'Love for all, hatred for none', pictured

Many of those at the vigil in Manchester were noticeably upset, left, with one woman clearly unable to hold back tears, right

Floral shrines have been mounting up across Albert Square in Manchester, pictured, as more and more people turned out to pay their respects

He added: 'We keep fighting back with Greater Manchester spirit.'

Members of the public wept as they laid flowers and lit candles after the ceremony in front of the town hall.

Sue Shevlin, 43, and Sinead Ginty, 24, wiped away tears as they turned from the growing pile of floral tributes.

The pair said they had come to 'show some respect and support'.

Ms Ginty said the city would 'stand together as one - Muslims, Christians, atheists'.

'We've got to stand together - every religion,' she said.

One woman donned a t-shirt, pictured, with a message of support and hope for the people of Manchester

The vigil was both a sombre occasion and a chance for people to show their defiance against the terror threat

Manchester Lord Mayor Cllr Eddy Newman, pictured, said the vigil was a chance to 'express solidarity' with the victims

Thousands of people remained in Albert Square in Manchester well after the vigil officially finished, pictured

People of various faiths attended the memorial in Manchester, taking it in turns to lay down candles and flowers, pictured

Stephanie Aims was among those in tears at the growing floral shrine.

She said the attack brought back memories of the 1996 IRA bombing in Manchester.

Ms Aims, who lives on Birmingham but used to live in Manchester, said she would not be afraid.

'You can't stop doing what you need to do. You have to go on with everything, and you can't be afraid to come and show your respects,' she said.

Tom Buchan, from Heywood, came to lay flowers after being moved by the death of eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos.

The 29-year-old said he felt he 'had to do something', as he left a card with the message: 'To Saffie Rose, RIP my darling, we will stand together.'

He said: 'The eight-year-old girl, that really got me this morning as my little boy is eight.'

The huge crowds gathered in front of Manchester Town Hall, pictured, to hear speeches from local leaders

Many were holding posters with the slogan 'The City of Manchester Stands United', as they came together in unity

There was a heavy police presence at Albert Square, pictured, as security measures were stepped up to protect the crowds

Officers were seen patrolling the square as people arrived at and left the event with security paramount

'We stand with Manchester': Mourners from across the country gather for vigils to pay tribute to those killed at Ariana Grande concert terror attack

Hundreds of people, including young children, gathered in Glasgow vigil to remember the victims of the Manchester attack.

Glasgow City Council organised the event in George Square to allow people to show support and pay their respects after the attack at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

A two-minute silence was held before a wreath was laid by Lord Provost Eva Bolander.

Others who had gathered placed candles, flowers and a teddy in the square.

A young girl is pictured laying down two bouquets of flowers in Glasgow at a vigil remembering the victims of the Manchester terror attack

Hundreds of people gathered in the Scottish city, pictured, to show solidarity with Manchester and pay their respects

Glasgow Council said the people of Manchester were among Glasgow's 'closest friends' and the union flag flew at half-mast above the City Chambers

The council said the people of Manchester were among Glasgow's 'closest friends' and the union flag flew at half-mast above the City Chambers.

Ms Bolander said: 'This was the height of cowardice and truly evil.

'We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Manchester to show strength, love and deep sympathy for all people affected.'

Two teenagers from Barra remain unaccounted for and at least four people were treated in hospitals in Scotland, none with life-threatening injuries, after the attack.

Other vigils were held in London, Newcastle and Birmingham, with the latter cut short after a man believed to be armed was detained nearby.

The man shouted out as he was handcuffed and led away by officers with West Midlands Police, just a short distance from where 1,000 people had gathered in the city's main Victoria Square.

Tearful mourners were also spotted at a vigil in Newcastle, pictured, as thousands across the UK paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester attack

Many bowed their heads for a moment of silence in Newcastle, pictured, as they remembered the fallen

Meanwhile in Bristol, pictured, mourners lit candles and created artwork as a mark of respect to the victims at the concert

Hundreds more turned out in Trafalgar Square in London tonight, pictured, and made heart gestures with their fingers while preaching the message 'Turn to Love'

Flowers and flags were also displayed as Londoners said they were 'not afraid' of terrorists

Crowds also came together in Belfast, pictured, bearing Amnesty International posters with the message 'We Stand Together'

As he was taken away in a riot van in Edmund Street, which runs behind Birmingham's council house, a police sergeant could be seen carrying away what appeared to be a bat and a hatchet.

Speakers who had been paying tribute to the Manchester victims were interrupted by the man's loud protests, from down a side street.

Police, including armed response officers, then cleared the square a short time later.

A silent vigil was also held in Belfast to remember the Manchester bombing victims.

A small group held posters professing 'we stand together' outside the gates of City Hall.

Political and church leaders in Northern Ireland also expressed sympathy.

Amnesty International director in the region Patrick Corrigan said: 'Tonight's vigil outside City Hall is really a spontaneous response by members of the local community and really it is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the citizens of Manchester from the citizens of Belfast.

'To say we share your pain, and it is a response that is about a sense of community, a sense of humanity and the simple message tonight is, we stand together.'

Manchester bomber is named as British Libyan jihadist Salman Abedi who killed 22 in terror attack on packed Ariana Grande concert

The man who murdered 22 people and injured 59 others has been named as Salman Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent.

ISIS have claimed responsibility after the terrorist set off a ball bearing bomb at an Ariana Grande concert, in the worst terror attack Britain has seen since the 7/7 London bombings.

Abedi was known to the security services but was not part of any active investigation or regarded as a high risk.

He died at the scene and police today carried out a controlled explosion at the doorstep of his home during raids around the city.

Footage emerged today of the moment armed anti-terror police raided Abedi's home in the Fallowfield area of Manchester

A forensics expert leaving Abedi's house this afternoon was seen holding a police issue book called 'Know Your Chemicals'

Abedi, the son of an airport security worker, is a Mancunian of Libyan descent.

Police also raided a house where Abedi's brother, Ismail, lived and arrested a 23-year-old man, prompting speculation that Ismail had been detained.

The police and security services are trying to establish whether Salman worked alone or was part of a wider network that helped him with the bomb.

A school friend told MailOnline had grown a beard when he last saw him and neighbours claimed he had been 'acting strangely' recently.

Security sources have told MailOnline that initial analysis of the 'sophisticated' device suggests it was made by an expert.

Abedi was born in Manchester on New Year's Eve 1994, the son of two Libyans who came to Britain to escape the Gaddafi regime.

His father, Ramadan Abedi, is a former airport security worker, MailOnline can reveal.

This photo shows the aftermath of the suicide bomb which ripped through the foyer of the venue killing parents and children

Forensics officers emerge after inspecting the horrific scene where a suicide bomber killed 22 people as they left a pop concert at the Manchester arena last night

At least two properties in the south of the city have been raided and a 23-year-old man was arrested in Chorlton

It is understood he has three siblings, two brothers, Ismail and Hashem and a sister, Jomana.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE ATTACKER The suicide bomber who killed 22 people - including children - and injured around 120 at the Manchester Arena has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. He is believed to have been born in Manchester on New Year's Eve 1994. Abedi's parents were Libyan refugees who came to Britain to escape the reign of Colonel Gaddafi. Both of his parents were born in Libya but are thought to have first emigrated to London before moving to Manchester. They are understood to have lived in the Fallowfield area of the city for at least 10 years. Unconfirmed reports suggest the whole family apart from the two elder sons recently returned to Libya. Abedi grew up just yards from Whalley Range High School, which hit the headlines in 2015 when twins Zahra and Salma Halane - who were both grade A pupils and aspiring medical students - left their homes and fled Britain to join ISIS in Syria. Advertisement

The suicide bomber was heard chanting Islamic prayers in Arabic just weeks before the attack, a neighbour has revealed.

Lina Ahmed, 21, told MailOnline: 'They were a Libyan family. A couple of months ago he [Salman] was chanting the first kalma [Islamic prayer] really loudly in the street. He was chanting in Arabic. He was saying 'There is only one God and the prophet Mohammed is his messenger.'

Another neighbour Roshanay Bukhari said: 'They are a Libyan family. They speak Arabic together and they have Libyan flags in their garden.

'There is a mother, a father and their son Salman. The mother used to teach my younger sister to read the Koran because it us in Arabic.

'They dressed very traditionally, in Islamic clothes. The mother used to wear a headscarf.'

Salman and his brother Ismail worshipped at Didsbury mosque, where their father is a well-known figure.

Ramadan is thought to be in Tripoli. His wife, Samia, is undestood to be in Manchester.

Some were shocked by Salman's involvement in the terror attack. One member of Manchester's Libyan community told the Guardian: 'Salman? I'm astonished by this. He was such a quiet boy, always very respectful towards me. His brother Ismail is outgoing, but Salman was very quiet. He is such an unlikely person to have done this.'

However others had a different recollection of the 22-year-old. Mohammed Saeed, the imam of Didsbury Mosque and Islamic Centre, said Salman Abedi had looked at him 'with hate' after he gave a sermon attacking ISIS and Ansar al-Sharia in Libya.

He said a friend was so concerned that he got his adult children to sit beside Salman Amedi in case he attacked the imam.

Leon Hall, who went to school with Abedi, told MailOnline he saw the killer last year and said he had grown a beard. He also said the jihadist was a keen Manchester United fan.

Bloodied concertgoers were pictured being helped by armed police outside the arena after explosions rang out at the gig

A man comforts a child wrapped in a white blanket. Lots of other children were seen being cared for by police and passers-by

The bomber is believed to have entered a foyer area of the venue through doors opened to allow young music fans to leave

Mr Hall said: 'I saw him last year and he had a beard thing going on. We didn't speak but just nodded to each other. I don't remember seeing him with beard before.'

'He always had a bit of an attitude problem. I can't say I really liked the man.'

FAMILIES STILL TRYING TO FIND THE MISSING Hundreds of people are now desperately trying to track down loved ones who went missing in the aftermath of the attack, with police having to tell some parents their children have died. Witnesses described the terrifying aftermath of the bomb as being 'like a war zone'. Distressing footage shot on mobile phones captured the chilling screams of fans and the ensuing stampede as fans ran from 21,000-seater stadium. US star Grande, who escaped unharmed, tweeted she was 'broken', adding: 'From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have words.' Her manager Scooter Braun said: 'We mourn for the children.' Advertisement

Mr Hall said Abedi lived in a housing association owned home about two miles from the scene of Monday night's terror attack.

Earlier, armed police sealed off Elsmore Road, a street in the Fallowfield area of south Manchester, and then carried out a controlled explosion at the terraced house where Salman Abedi lived.

A neighbour of the Fallowfield address told MailOnline: 'There was an explosion and then police with guns rushed into the house.

'It was about 12.10 today. It was really frightening. I heard the explosion and then I went out and got my kids from school.'

A police cordon blocks the entrance to the residential street on south Manchester. The St Kentigerns Primary School is across the main road.

Officers also searched the home of his brother Ismail in the Chorlton area of south Manchester.

They arrested a 23-year-old man near an address where the family had previously lived, prompting speculation that Ismail Abedi had been detained.

A man was handcuffed and sat with his back to a wall near the supermarket car park before being bundled into an unmarked police car, it was said.

Of the street arrest near the supermarket, shopper Nick Yates, 27, said: 'There was a black Mercedes van parked up on the side of the road with six to eight police officers who were in normal clothes.

Armed officers guard a second property raided by the police today in Carlton Road, Manchester. A man was arrested nearby

Forensics officers were brought into the foyer area where the bomb went off this morning as the investigation begun

This distressing picture purportedly shows the inside of the arena after the suicide attack at the Ariana Grande concert - its veracity has been confirmed by the two witnesses

'They had face masks on and they had a black hats on. They were all stood around by the wall to the car park. I walked around so I could see what was going on and I could see the guy they had arrested.

'They had a guy in handcuffs. He was sat on the floor against the wall and he looked like he was very chilled. He was sitting with his hands behind his back.'

Mr Yates, a graphic designer from Chorlton, in Manchester, said the suspect 'looked like he was an Asian guy and he looked as though he was in his twenties'.

He added: 'He had been on the street and then they stopped him.'

A shop worker at Blue Apple Printing, which is opposite Morrison's, saw the man 'pushed to the ground' and later bundled into an unmarked car.

The shop worker said: 'He was is in his 20s, was around 5ft 6, looked to be Arabic, was wearing dark clothing and a rucksack - I didn't recognise him though.'

Tributes paid to victims as first three are named as eight-year-old schoolgirl, teenage collage student and 26-year-old man

Three of the 22 victims have been named as college student Georgina Callander, eight-year-old schoolgirl Saffie Roussos, 26-year-old John Atkinson.

The headteacher of the school of the youngest victim named so far, Saffie Roussos, said she was 'simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word'.

Tracey Radcliffe, a leader at 1st Tarleton Brownies, added: 'Saffie was an adorable and lovable little girl - she really was.

Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos (left), 18-year-old Georgina Callander (right) and 26-year-old John Atkinson have been named as three of the 22 victims of the suicide bombing. It is feared many children are among those killed, as well as parents who had accompanied their youngsters to the concert or were picking them up

'I didn't know her parents, but she was just lovely. No one should go to a gig and not return.'

A close friend of victim Georgina Callander said she died in hospital with her mother at her bedside in hospital.

Another friend tweeted: 'A beautiful girl with the kindest heart & soul, I'll miss you forever, may you rest in a better place than here. I love you.'

Victim Mr Atkinson, from Radcliffe, was leaving the concert at the venue when it was targeted by the suicide bomber.

Friends and family have paid their respects online, describing him as an 'amazing young man'.

Lee Paul posted on Facebook: 'Sleep tight John Atkinson. Thoughts and prayers with all your family and the other 21 people who lost there lives last night.'

Tracey Crolla wrote: 'Thinking of all the Atkinsons at this very sad time John Atkinson you turned into an amazing young man so kind and thoughtful you will be missed by everyone x x.'

MANCHESTER UNITED LEGEND ERIC CANTONA RELEASES EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE ON CONCERT TERROR ATTACK Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has recorded an emotional video message expressing his solidarity with the city and the whole of the UK in the wake of Monday's terror attack. Cantona, who played for United between 1992 and 1997, told of his love for Manchester and said that he is thinking 'deeply to the victims.' Speaking to Eurosport UK the former French international said: 'I think deeply to the victims, to the wounded persons, kids, teenagers, adults, to their families, to their friends, to all of you, all of us. 'I think to this city, Manchester, and Mancunians that I love deeply. I think to this country, England, and the English that I love deeply. 'I suffer with you, my heart is with you, I always feel close to you.' The 50-year-old, who captained the side for much of his stint in the north-west, became a club legend by scoring 66 goals for United in all competitions, leading the club to four Premier League titles and two FA Cup victories. Eric Cantona expressed his solidarity with the city and the whole of the country Advertisement

ISIS claim responsibility for Manchester terror attack at 'shameless concert arena'

Less than 24 hours after the Manchester atrocity, ISIS claimed responsibility for the murders.

The extremists were quick to call the killer one of their soldiers, as has become the trend in the wake of many recent attacks in Europe.

According to the SITE Intel Group, which monitors jihadist groups, the ISIS statement described the explosion as having taken place at a 'shameless concert arena'.

The statement has been translated as saying: 'With Allah's grace and support, a soldier of the Khilafah managed to place explosive devices in the midst of the gatherings of the Crusaders in the British city of Manchester.

A Twitter account - which was unverified - posted this hours before the attack, warning of a terror attack

This graphic shows where the explosion took place, in the foyer area, leading towards Victoria railway station

Pop concerts and nightclubs have been a terrorism target before. Almost 90 people were killed by gunmen at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris during a performance by Eagles of Death Metal in November 2015. Pictured: Concert-goers sit by a wall outside the venue

A man with a bandage on his head exits the arena after the terror attack inside the Manchester Arena

Lots of concert-goers wore foil thermal tops to stave off the cold as they waited outside the venue next to members of the emergency services

It said the attack was 'revenge for Allah's religion… in response to their transgressions against the lands of the Muslims.

'The explosive devices were detonated in the shameless concert arena. What comes next will be more severe on the worshipers of the Cross and their allies.'

Extra police on the streets of London Scotland Yard has put extra armed officers on duty in London in the wake of the Manchester bombing. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick condemned the attack as 'utterly appalling' as she announced the additional security in the capital. London has been on high alert since the Westminster atrocity two months ago. Ms Dick said: 'We are providing every possible support through the counter-terrorism network as investigators work tirelessly to understand what has happened.' Advertisement

They appeared to wrongly state that a number of explosive devices had been detonated, when police have said the attacker was carrying one bomb.

But US director of national intelligence Dan Coats said ISIS claims responsibility for 'virtually every attack'.

Commenting on the Manchester attack, Mr Coats told the senate armed services committee the atrocity was 'tragic' and a reminder of the real threat faced by the West and its allies.

Mr Coats said: 'ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack in Manchester, although they claim responsibility for virtually every attack. We have not verified yet the connection.' He said he had just returned to the US after a visit to London where he met intelligence counterparts.

'We spent a significant amount of time discussing threats to our respective homelands.

'It's a tragic situation that we see all too much of in countries around the world, particularly our allies.

'Once again, it reminds us that this threat is real, it is not going away and needs significant attention to do everything we can to protect our people from these kinds of attacks.'

'I am so, so sorry': Grande says she is left 'broken' following the attack Ariana Grande said today she was 'broken' following the terrorist attack after her gig at Manchester Arena that left 19 people dead. Tweeting in the early hours of this morning, the 23-year-old US pop star said: 'Broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sorry. I don't have words.' Her management team, Scooter Braun Projects, said they were heartbroken by the incident and praised the actions of the emergency services. They said in a statement: 'Words cannot express our sorrow for the victims and families harmed in this senseless attack. 'We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act. 'We are thankful for the selfless service tonight of Manchester's first responders who rushed toward danger to help save lives. 'We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.' A sign saying 'Ariana we love you' was left in the street nearby the arena. Theresa May said 'many children' were among the victims Nineteen people died after the blast tore through crowds leaving the pop concert, with dozens of others injured in the explosion. Insiders told TMZ that Grande's concert scheduled for Thursday at London's O2 Arena could be cancelled because she was 'in no condition to perform,' in addition to ongoing security concerns. The deadly attack occurred after the 23-year-old singer wrapped up her performance on her Dangerous Woman Tour. Grande's tour, her third time hitting the international concert circuit, kicked off with a February show in Phoenix, Arizona. Further stops on her immediate concert trail include scheduled dates in Antwerp, Belgium, Lodz in Poland and Frankfurt in Germany. The tour was expected to extend into the autumn, wrapping up on September 21 at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld–Arena. Advertisement

'Children were just running for their lives': Horrified witnesses tell of carnage at concert terror attack

Today's arrest came as traumatised witnesses told of the carnage they saw unfold at the concert venue last night.

Describing the scenes after the blast, a man who was at the scene told how he cradled a dying woman and saw a girl with her legs blown off.

Another witness told MailOnline she saw a young girl screaming 'I don't know where my sister is'.

Witness Jane Hanson, 44, was watching the concert from a box inside the packed arena with her 16-year-old daughter Andrea.

May is due to chair a meeting of the government's COBRA emergency committee later Tuesday. She and other candidates suspended campaigning for Britain's June 8 election after the blast. Pictured: A child being cared for by police

Officers watch on as a Royal Logistics Corps bomb disposal robot moves into place behind a security cordon outside Manchester Arena

She told MailOnline she heard a 'massive bang' and saw a 'stampede' of people sprint out of the venue with one girl shouting 'I don't know where my sister is'.

She said: 'We were just getting ready to leave and there was a massive bang below. We initially thought it came from the stage but then we saw smoke below us. I saw children hysterically crying and panicking. One man was carrying children in his arms.

'One girl was ran outside the venue and was shouting 'We don't know where my sister is'. Children were just running for their lives. It was blood-curdling.

'It seems that the explosion happened at the front and those who decided to get up and leave just as it finished would have been caught up in the incident. We didn't know which way to turn and I was scared that we would walk down the wrong path.'

A man is pictured wrapped in foil and bleeding from a head wound after being caught up in the explosion at the Manchester gig

Members of the emergency services rushed to the scene and treated people who were injured following the incident

Chris Parker, 33, a rough sleeper, said: 'I heard a bang and within a split second I saw a white flash, then smoke and then I heard screaming. There was people lying on the floor everywhere.

'I saw a little girl ... she had no legs. I wrapped her in one of the merchandise T-shirts and I said 'where is your mum and daddy?' She said 'my dad is at work, my mum is up there'.'

He said he thought the child's mother had died from her injuries.

Mr Parker added: 'She passed away in my arms. She was in her 60s and said she had been with her family. I haven't stopped crying. There were nuts and bolts all over the floor. People had holes in their back.'

Evie Brewster, who had been taken to her first concert by her mother, told MailOnline how the boom of the explosion echoed around the arena at the end of the gig.

'Ariana Grande had just finished her last song and left the stage when a huge explosion sounded,' she said.

Casualties are stretchered out of the concert on Monday evening after a terror attack in the Ariana Grande concert

A policewoman comforted a young girl following the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena on Monday night

'Suddenly everybody started screaming and running for the exit. We could hear the police and ambulance sirens. It was terrifying.

'There were thousands of people trying to get out at once. They were all screaming and crying. The whole place smelt smokey and burnt. The explosion sounded like it was inside the building somewhere.'

Jenny Brewster, Evie's mother, said: 'We were exiting the building when it happened. We'd headed towards the main doors as Ariana was performing the last song because we wanted to beat the crowds, but – as we made our way there - a wall of security men blocked it and told us to go the other way.

'Seconds later they shouted 'RUN!' and the explosion happened right behind them. Hundreds of people were running and screaming. Those men saved our lives.'

Video footage showed thousands of people fleeing in tears from the venue, many covered in blood, after the concert finished. Many people appeared to have lower-limb injuries.

Witness Abby Mullen from Airdrie, who was at the event, also described the carnage.

'As we were leaving a bomb or explosion went off centimetres in front of me,' she said. 'People's skin and faeces where everywhere including in my hair and on my bag.

'I'm still finding bits of God knows what in my hair. You never ever expect these things to happen to you but this proves it can happen to anybody.

'That sound, the blood and those who were running around clueless with body parts and bits of skin missing will not be leaving my mind any time soon or the minds of those involved.'

Theresa May announces suspension of General Election campaigning as politicians condemn Manchester Arena atrocity

Prime Minister Theresa May announced a suspension of campaigning for next month's General Election, adding her thoughts are with the victims and families of those affected in 'what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack'.

Politicians of all parties were quick to condemn the atrocity. Nigel Farage said the 'direct attack on children' marked 'a new low' for terrorists.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn added: 'Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services.'

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: 'This is a shocking and horrific attack targeting children and young people who were simply enjoying a concert.

'My deepest sympathies are with the victims, and with families who have lost loved ones, as well as those desperately waiting for news.

'I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of the emergency services. This is an attack on innocent people and the nation is united both in its grief and its determination to stand up to this deplorable attack.'

Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram tweeted: 'My 2 daughters caught up in the Manchester explosion at the arena. They are thankfully safe, but I fear for others.'

He posted later: 'Confirmed deaths at the Manchester arena. Feel sick to think that people have lost their lives at a gig attended by so many young people.

'All my thoughts go out to those parents waiting to hear of the safety of their children. It's a parents worse nightmare. So, so sad.'

Families comforted at Manchester City football stadium Families of those still missing after the Manchester terror attack are enduring an agonising wait for news of their loved ones while holed up in Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. A number of different people have been seen gazing silently out of the glass frontage of the building, some talking on mobile phones. Five Red Cross volunteers who have been specially trained in psycho-social support are inside assisting police with supporting the families, according to a Red Cross spokesman on the scene. 'We are here to provide practical and emotional support to all those affected by the atrocity,' the spokesman said. Volunteers unloaded supplies for those who were being looked after by experts inside the famous stadium this afternoon NHS nurses arrived at the stadium this afternoon to look after witnesses and families caught up in the horrific suicide bombing Earlier, deliveries of food including crisps and pizza arrived and were taken in to the family members inside. Security is tight and the few relatives who have left the stadium today have been escorted to their cars by police. Uniformed and armed police officers as well as nurses and civilian staff have also been seen entering and leaving the stadium. It came as medical staff were receiving support elsewhere in the city as they tried to come to terms with the horrific injuries they witnessed last night. Teams of specialist surgeons worked through the night to try to save those with the worst injuries, leaving them in need of support themselves. The 59 most badly injured victims were taken to eight hospitals across the city by medical staff while about 60 walking wounded were taken to hospitals by relatives Volunteers as Dominos Pizza delivery drivers bring supplies to the Etihad stadium, where victims' families are being comforted The stadium is less than two miles from the arena where the concert was being held when the bomb was detonated last night John Morris, interim director for crisis response in the north of England, would not be drawn on how many people were in the hospitality suite. He said: 'There are people in there who are waiting for news. It's a very distressing place to be, you can imagine the emotions in there are very high. We find in situations like this, families support families.' Mr Morris said volunteers have been rostered to be at the centre on Wednesday. Niall Pemberton, British Red Cross senior emergency response officer, said: 'The atmosphere is very sombre inside but people in there are banding together and supporting each other. 'We obviously have volunteers that are specially trained to support people in situations like this to deal with any of the emotional effects people might have. 'Our role is to try and enable people to come to terms with it themselves and to process it in any way they can. We will be here as long as we are needed.' Advertisement

SAS DROOPS DRAFTED INTO MANCHESTER AS PM CONSIDERS PUTTING ARMED SOLDIERS ON STREETS SAS troops were drafted into Manchester yesterday to support the police as counter terror officers launched a major operation to find friends and relatives of the suicide bomber. The 20 strong heavily armed team were flown north as part of a contingency plan to counter any surge in extremist violence - such as a hostage situation - that will require military intervention. Under the direction of the Counter Terrorist Command the soldiers, many of who have worked with specialist police unit in the past few years, were on standby to join undercover teams and armed response units deployed in the city. The move came as Air Marshall Sir Stuart Peach, the head of the UK's armed forces, told a Cobra meeting that the military was ready to put armed soldiers on the streets if directed by the Prime Minister. As part of an ongoing high readiness response, codenamed Op Temperer, Army commanders have three infantry battalions of armed soldiers ready to deploy anywhere across the country to support the police. The Prime Minister is understood to be reviewing a wider intelligence assessment from officers at the Joint Terrorist Analysis Cell, before making any decision on the deployment of armed soldiers on mainland Britain. The rotation of available soldiers changes on a regular basis with paratroopers from 16 Air Assault Brigade currently listed as the 'in role' force ready to provide additional public security. Advertisement



