Parents hunt for missing kids
Manchester, May 23: Parents were searching desperately on Tuesday for children caught up in the attack on a pop concert in the British city of Manchester, after police confirmed youngsters were among the 22 victims.
Screaming fans fled the venue after the bomb blast at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande, who is popular among teens and pre-teens.
Charlotte Campbell called hospitals, police and set up an appeal on social media before calling radio and television networks to try to find her 15-year-old daughter Olivia. “She was with her friend Adam — Adam was found about half an hour ago, he’s in hospital but Olivia has not been found yet,” she told BBC radio. “Her dad is actually in Manchester looking for her. I’ve got friends out looking for her, I’ve got people I don’t even know out looking for her.”
Two hotels near the Manchester Arena venue took in stranded children while residents opened their doors to stranded concertgoers after trains were cancelled. A support centre was also set up at football club Manchester City's Etihad Stadium across the road.
Desperate parents and friends posted heart-wrenching messages and pictures on social media in the search for their loved ones.
Many parents were waiting for their children in and around the Manchester Arena when the blast rocked the foyer of the venue as thousands of young fans and parents streamed out following the gig.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was one of many British artists and celebrities to help spread the word by retweeting messages and posting offers of help. — Agencies