Thoughts and prayers with victims of Manchester terror attack
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PARLIAMENTARY candidates, organisations and sports clubs covering Halton have said their thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the Manchester terror attack.
A total of 22 people were killed after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena where gig-goers had flocked on the evening of Monday, May 22, to see an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.
At time of writing, 120 people had been reported injured by the incident.
Flags are being flown at half mast by Halton Borough Council at Runcorn Town Hall and the Municipal Building in Widnes.
Labour candidate for the Halton parliamentary constituency Derek Twigg – who has been the area’s MP since 1997 – said on Facebook: “It is right and proper that we suspend campaigning following the appalling atrocity last night in Manchester.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost loved ones and the injured.”
Weaver Vale’s Conservative candidate Graham Evans said on Twitter his ‘thoughts and ● prayers’ were with all involved in the incident and that ‘we are all deeply saddened’ by the attack.
Labour counterpart for the Weaver Vale seat Mike Amesbury said the ‘tragic and callous’ event had filled him with ‘despair’ and said his wife worked through the night in an emergency response team.
He said: “We do, of course, stand together against anyone or organisation that may seek to damage our democracy and way of life.
“We will not allow those that pedal hate divide us, we stand together united in grief, we stand together united in hope not hate.”
A Cheshire police spokeswoman said: “The thoughts of everyone at Cheshire Constabulary are very much with all those affected by the devastating events in Manchester.
“We are working closely with our communities, providing extra patrols for visibility and reassurance, and co-operating with any national requirements for support.”
Widnes Vikings said on Twitter everyone at the club would like to send their ‘thoughts and prayers’ to all those affected.
North West Ambulance Service chief executive Derek Cartwright said clinicians treated and took 59 patients to hospital and approximately 60 ‘walking wounded’ were treated at the scene. A total of 60 ambulances were at to the scene.
He said: “The service is devastated by the attack in Manchester last night.
“We would like to offer our sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones and wish those in hospital a speedy and full recovery.
“No matter how much we train for incidents such as this, nothing can prepare you for the shock and sadness.
“The co-operation of the public has been very gratefully received. We had many messages throughout the night from people volunteering their services, blankets, first aid skills and tea.
“It was extremely heart-warming to receive such messages and demonstrates how a city can pull together during these difficult times.”