CITY VIGIL FOR VICTIMS
Glasgow stands in solidarity after concert horror
HUNDREDS gathered in Glasgow’s George Square to light candles and lay flowers as a show of solidarity for the city of Manchester.
It came after suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22 people when he attacked concert-goers at Manchester Arena, setting off a bomb in the foyer on Monday night at the end of a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande.
Three men have now been arrested in connection with the attack.
The Palace of Westminster has been closed to the public and changing of the guard cancelled at Buckingham Palace to redeploy police officers.
Holly Brown, 4, from Knightswood, laid her teddy down next to the floral tributes after telling her mum, Kelly, that she wanted to take a toy for the eight-year-old who lost her life.
Three victims have been named and 59 others were injured, some with life threatening injuries. Six people were being treated at hospitals in Scotland but their injuries are not life threatening. Four have since been released.
A further 20 people remain in hospital in a critical condition, with medics describing their injuries as “horrific”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said security in Scotland has been ramped up, with an immediate increase in police at stations and airports.
Every event in Scotland over the next 14 days will be reviewed by police, including the Cup Final.
Glasgow’s new Lord Provost Eva Bolander and Council Leader Susan Aitken addressed the crowds before laying flowers in the centre of the square.
Ms Aitken said: “It seems that too often we have to gather in George Square in memory and condolence.
“This one is very close to home in a city that we have a lot in common with.
“It’s a city that many of us will have visited and enjoyed. Just as those young people, very young people, young boys and girls attending what will have been their first gig.
“Just as they went out and many of them will not have returned home.
“It’s a devastating act of terror and all we can do is send our love and send our sympathy and say that we stand in solidarity and that we will not let the fear divide us or stop us living our lives.
“Glasgow has itself faced acts like this, faced attacks.
“We didn’t let it divide us, we had the backs of our citizens, we supported each other and we will so again with each in Glasgow and with others across the UK who have faced acts of terror and senseless violence.
“We won’t let the terrorists change the way we live and we won’t live in fear.”
The Lord Provost, Ms Bolander, said there were plans to place a book of condolence in the City Chambers. She said: “We want to send you, the people of Manchester, our love and prayers for strength and hope.”
A two-minute silence followed and members of the public were invited to lay their own floral tributes and light candles for those who lost their lives.
Some of those who laid flowers were openly crying.
Stacey Grimshaw, 26, from the Gorbals and her sister Lynsay, 25,
were at the vigil with friend, Kimberley Braid, 22.
Stacey said: “It was hard seeing it on the news and we wanted wanted to show our support.
“It’s j ust so sad that it’s kids.”
Kimberley said: “I’ve got really young nieces and it just makes me want to wrap them up in bubble wrap.”
Everyone said the horror event would not discourage them from attending future concerts in Glasgow.
Lynsay said: “If you don’t go, you are letting them win.”
Simon Sabiniarz, 33, who is originally from Poland but now lives in Hamilton said: “It’s just so, so sad. I’m a father myself. I’ve a son of eight. I can understand that people get angry...but to attack children? We’ve go to stand against it. It doesn’t matter what country you come from.”