Manchester attack: Mayor Andy Burnham says spirit of city will prevail after 'evil act' | London Evening Standard (original) (raw)
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has said the spirit of the city will prevail after 22 people were killed in an "evil" terror attack.
The former Labour MP admitted the city is "grieving" today over the horrifying attack on teenage fans at an Ariana Grande concert in the Manchester Arena.
A suicide bomber is believed to have arrived by train and then struck the departing crowd at 10.30pm. The attacker died at the scene.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Mr Burnham said: "It is hard to believe what has happened here in the last few hours, and to put into words the shock, anger, and hurt that we feel today.
Andy Burnham speaks after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert
PA
"These were children, young people and their families that those responsible chose to terrorise and kill. This was an evil act."
He offered his support to the families of the victims, and paid tribute to locals who had opened their doors to strangers and offered shelter to those fleeing the Manchester Arena and evacuated areas.
The mayor said this was the "best possible message to those who seek to divide us", and would be the prevailing spirit of Manchester.
He said: "We are grieving today, but we are strong. Today it will be business as usual, as far as possible in our great city."
Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures
The former health secretary thanked the hundreds of emergency services personnel who worked through the night in the most "difficult circumstances imaginable", and those who had offered their support from other cities and countries.
The attacker struck at 10.30pm as hordes of concert-goers streamed out of the arena.
The wounded were showered with glass and metal nuts after a "huge bomb-like bang" went off at as people waited to leave the arena after the show finished.
The death toll stood at 22 on Tuesday morning, while more than 50 people were also taken to hospitals around Manchester.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his thoughts were with those caught up in the "terrible incident".
Lucy Powell, Manchester Central's Labour candidate and the MP before the election, said the city would "come together and unite in solidarity".
Election campaigning will be paused, with Theresa May saying police were treating the incident as an "appalling terrorist attack".
Tim Farron, who cancelled a planned campaign visit to Gibraltar, 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."