Pupils caught up in terror attack
STUDENTS from two Ma c c l e s f i e l d schools were caught up in Monday night’s Manchester terror attack.
At least 12 youngsters from Fallibroome Academy and ‘a number’ who attend Tytherington School attended the pop concert where a suspected suicide bomber killed 22 people, including many children.
Headteachers at both schools believe there have been no fatalities or injuries involving their students.
Francis Power, headteacher at Fallibroome Academy, said: “Thankfully, we believe that there have been no fatalities in the Fallibroome community, although we under- stand that at least twelve of our students were at the concert on Monday night.
“Our school is very quiet and subdued as our students and staff come to terms with these dreadful events.
“We are offering counselling and other support to our students and will continue to do so in the days, weeks and months ahead.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this horrific attack.
“It is hard to imagine how they will cope with the grief of losing a loved one in these circumstances.”
Manny Botwe, headteacher at Tytherington School, said: “A number of our students were at the concert.
“We have made contact with parents to check that they are safe. Senior leadership and our pastoral support team have been on hand to support students. We are also offering students access to our school counsellors.”
At least 22 people were killed and 120 injured during the attack.
Thousands of gig-goers were packed into the venue when the explosion shook the arena.
Multiple witnesses reported hearing “huge bangs” at the venue shortly after US singer’s gig finished at around 10.30pm.
Minutes later eyewitnesses described seeing people “running and screaming” from the arena, with some covered in blood.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins from Greater Manchester Police said it was believed that the attacker - who died at the scene - was carrying an improvised explosive device.
He has been named as Salman Abedi, 22, who lived in Manchester.
Macclesfield’s mayor councillor Beverley Dooley has first hand experience of what some of the Macclesfield parents must have been going through as they waited anxiously to learn that their children were safe.
In 1996 her daughter was in Manchester when the IRA detonated a bomb.
She said: “It brings back memories.
“Not knowing whether they are safe. The awful few hours waiting. You imagine the worst during that time.
“I can imagine all those parent waiting for the children outside that venue. It’s difficult to put into words.
“The fact there are local children caught up in the incident, and one still missing from Holmes Chapel, brings the whole tragedy closer to home.”
All Hallows, Poynton High and Macclesfield Academy have yet to confirm if any of their students attended the concert.