Arena bomb blast heroes honoured at town hall

THE heroism of police officers and rail staff who responded to the Manchester Arena bombing were being recognised at an event today.

A commendation ceremony at Manchester town hall was due to formally honour staff from British Transport Police (BTP), Northern Rail and stewarding support firm Carlisle Support Services.

The 22 people who lost their lives and those injured will also remembered at the event, hosted by Manchester’s Lord Mayor Coun Eddy Newman.

Among those to be commended will be police officers who were some of the first to respond and tend to the injured.

It will be one of the last highprofile events to be held at the town hall, before it shuts for six years for a £250 million repair and maintenance programme.

BTP officers to be honoured include Pc Jessica Bullough, PCSO Mark Renshaw, PCSO Jon Morrey and PCSO Lewis Brown, who were the first to arrive at the scene.

They administered first aid to seriously injured victims and remained on scene throughout the night.

In November, special recognition awards were given to emergency services personnel at Manchester’s Be Proud awards.

Individuals and groups whose efforts in the aftermath of the bomb touched hearts around the world were also acknowledged.