The music world is still reeling today, after a home-made suicide bomb was detonated at the Manchester Arena last night, in the aftermath of an Ariana Grande concert.
22 people are confirmed to have been killed- some as young as 8 years old- with 59 people also injured in the blast, as they filtered into the foyer, buying merchandise, and preparing to head home after the concert.
Two loud bangs heard around Manchester arena. People running out of the arena. No idea what's going on pic.twitter.com/KaRzQckvEE
— Alan Brennan (@alanbmufc92) May 22, 2017
Speaking to Reuters, concert-goer Catherine Macfarlane described the events: “We were making our way out and when we were right by the door there was a massive explosion and everybody was screaming.
“It was a huge explosion – you could feel it in your chest. It was chaotic. Everybody was running and screaming and just trying to get out.”
The whole country has been brought to a standstill by the attack- the biggest on UK soil since the 07/07 bombings of 2005- with the run-in to the general election being ceased for the day, as everyone attempts to help those in need.
So far, over £500,000 has been raised by a JustGiving crowdfunding page, set up by the Manchester Evening News, and a mass vigil was held in Manchester’s famous Albert Square.
During the vigil, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said he was heartened to hear the acts of kindness from emergency service workers and normal people, saying “The people of Greater Manchester showed the people of the world how much we care, how much we care about one another, and how much we care for those in need.”
He also thanked “the rest of the world for holding us in their thoughts”.
Powerful photos this evening of the #Manchester vigil attended by thousands of people. pic.twitter.com/R1Tus29ECF
— Sara Firth (@Sara__Firth) May 23, 2017
Ariana Grande herself spoke on last night’s events for the first time today, with a simple Facebook post, describing herself as ‘broken’ by the events, as well as posting “From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sorry. I don’t have the words”.
The music world has joined in with the tributes to those lost in the attack, including some of the city’s most famous sons and daughters.
My daughter made it home safe from Ariana Grande last night. My heart goes out to all parents & those involved. Manchester stay strong. X
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) May 23, 2017
Manchester stands together.
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 23, 2017
#Manchester has always been so close to my heart! These are innocent vulnerable kids, this could've been any of us! I'm devastated!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 23, 2017
Sad, sad news from Manchester. Praying for all the victims and families involved.
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) May 23, 2017
In total shock and absolutely devastated about what's gone down in MANCHESTER sending Love and Light to all the family's involved LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 23, 2017
