YOU WERE INCREDIBLE
The people of Manchester...
Kerslake Report into response to Arena bomb praises Mancunians’ reaction to grieving families ‘My daughter now considers Manchester her spiritual home, her favourite place’
A NIGHT OF HEROISM ... BUT ALSO FAILURE BY FIRE BOSSES
MANCHESTER’S response to the horrific events of May 22 last year have been praised by the Kerslake Report.
And Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who set up the review into how the region coped in the aftermath of the atrocity, said after its publication: “In divided times, Manchester was a beacon of hope.”
The report relates countless acts of bravery. But fire crews, desperate to help victims, were held back by their bosses for two hours amid mistakes that brought the service ‘to the brink of failure.’
While paramedics and armed police were on the scene within 10 minutes, the fire service was in ‘paralysis,’ according to Lord Bob Kerslake’s report
Frustrated crews - many of whom had heard the blast from their city centre post - were instead sent to a station in Beswick, three miles away, only to later be sent back into town again amid confusion. The report said the actions of then-chief officer Peter O’Reilly ‘played a key role’ in the delays.
Greater Manchester’s fire service apologised unreservedly for letting down the region in its ‘darkest hour,’ and said a ‘root and branch’ review was now taking place.
Manchester and its people emerge from the report as a city that rallied round its grieving and wounded, including through the We Love Manchester fund and One Love concert.
The review itself describes just how quickly the community mobilised, adding: “The day following the attack saw hundreds queuing in Manchester to donate blood.”
For bereaved families and victims themselves, the city is described as a source of strength. One family member interviewed for the report said: “The response from the city of Manchester and its people was incredible.”
The mother of Martyn Hett, who died in the attack, has praised the Kerslake review for giving a voice to families of those killed - and called for a handbook to be created for those affected by any future atrocities.
Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese said he came away with a feeling of ‘awe’ after reading the report over the remarkable actions people took on the night.
The report, which was critical of some media, praised the M.E.N. for responsible reporting and its role in raising millions for the We Love Manchester Fund.