SILENCE... THENSONGS
Oasis classic rings out as city mourns
A SOMBRE silence in memory of the Manchester bomb victims came to a rousing end with a rendition of Don’t Look Back In Anger.
The Oasis hit rang out across St Ann’s Square in the city where hundreds of people had gathered to pay their respects.
The spontaneous tribute started when one woman, Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow, began singing the Manchester band’s song, prompting others to join in the chorus.
She said later: “It just felt like the right moment. It wasn’t something that I’d planned. I hoped people would join in because it is a Manchester anthem.
“Everyone knows the words, and the sentiment behind it is so important after something like this happens.”
She added: “I started singing, and then there were a couple of voices behind me that started, and then a couple more voices, and then everyone started joining in and it was really beautiful.”
Among the crowds in St Ann’s Square were Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine, 33, who plays Fiz Brown, and TV personality Paddy Doherty, 58.
The tribute was one of many nationwide events which took place at 11am yesterday to mark Monday night’s tragedy at the city’s Arena.
Crowds gathered at many sites in the UK, including London’s Parliament and Trafalgar Squares, and many police headquarters.
Hundreds of people stood outside Greater Manchester Police HQ for the minute of silence, with crowds pouring out of nearby buildings to join the tribute.
Police officers at suicide bomber Salman Abedi’s last known address also paused their duties to observe the minute’s silence.
The officers at Elsmore Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, removed their caps and helmets and stood facing away from the property.
Other police forces across the country joined in the act of remembrance, flying flags at half-mast and gathering outside headquarters in a show of solidarity.
Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins asked those gathered to spend a minute “reflecting” on the events of Monday night, “particularly remembering the families of those 22 victims who perished”.
He added: “I’d like you to also think about those that still lie in our hospitals, some very critically injured. Think of them and their families.”