People Of Manchester Open Up Their Homes To Blast Victims

manchester-attack

by Anna Brech |
Published on

The people of Manchester have opened their hearts and their homes, after a suspected suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert left 22 dead and scores more injured last night.

Hundreds of young fans were left stranded and traumatised in wake of the deadly explosion, which ripped through the rear part of Manchester Arena at just past 10.30pm last night - moments after Ariana had left the stage, and as concert-goers were flocking towards the exits.

By the early hours of this morning, the hashtag #RoomsForManchester was trending on Twitter, as local residents rushed to provide shelter and comfort to those separated from their loved ones.

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Many of those caught up in last night's attack were children or teenagers ©Getty

"Anyone needing a sofa or a brew, me and the Mrs are opening our door," read one typically warm and reassuring message.

"I'm three minutes from Victoria station with a comfy sofa, WiFi, chargers and teabags," wrote another woman.

The city's student population were keen to help too.

"For anyone stranded in #manchester, there's lots of lovely students more than willing to help you stay safe ❤️," said one.

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22 people were killed in the explosion at an Ariana Grande concert ©Getty

Venues also opened their doors to those affected by the blast. Theatre 53Two tweeted that it was "open for hugs, coffee and a place to go".

The chains of Travelodge and Holiday Inn nearest to the stadium provided shelter for more than 60 youngsters in the aftermath of the explosion.

Some were suffering from minor injuries and panic attacks. Others were frantic after becoming separated from their friends and families.

Helpers also used the #RoomsForManchester hashtag to offer lifts and warn young people not to go to strangers' houses alone.

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The people of Manchester rallied after the attack ©Getty

The blast triggered widespread panic and confusion among the thousands of concert-goers who attended last night's gig.

It happened just after Ariana closed the three-hour show, with her signature finale of pink balloons falling from the ceiling.

Many young people, dazed by the attack, were pictured still clutching the balloons as they rushed to the exit.

Manchester Arena holds up to 21,000 people and has multiple exits. Some present described the noise of the explosion as a distant popping sound, while others nearer to the source of the blast recalled a bright flash and the whole building swaying.

American pop star Ariana, who was not hurt in the incident, tweeted that she was "Broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have words".

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