City lights up to show solidarity after atrocity
Sunderland was lit up in red, white and blue in a show of solidarity with the people of Manchester after a terror attack which killed 22 people with at least 59 injured.
The victims were targeted by a suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device as young fans left a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena.
Children were among those killed and injured, with eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos from Leyland one of the first victims to be named after the attrocity.
Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospital.
The Queen has offered her “deepest sympathy” to all those affected by the “dreadful” terrorist attack in Manchester, saying that the incident has “shocked” the nation.
The suicide bomber has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi by Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins.
Last night, Penshaw Monument and the Magistrates’ Court building in Keel Square were lit in the colours of the Union Flag. Both sites will continue to be lit until Sunday.
At Sunderland Civic Centre the Union Flag is being flown at half mast as a mark of respect to all those who were killed and injured
Coun Paul Watson, the Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This was a dreadful attack which is all the more sickening because it was targeted at innocent children and young people.
“Our thoughts and our prayers go out to all those caught up in this devastating tragedy and their family and friends.
“It is right and fitting that as a city we show solidarity with the people of Manchester as they come to terms with this cowardly assault.
“It’s important, too, that we pay tribute to the emergency services who worked so tirelessly to rescue and treat those who were caught up in the attack.
“I’d like to salute the people of Manchester who have shown such an inspiring community spirit in the face of this act of terrorism, and I know the people of Sunderland will join me in sending our sympathies to them.”
Penshaw Monument will remain lit in the colours of the Union Flag until Sunday night.
Hundreds of people have still been desperately trying to trace loved ones in the aftermath of the the attack.
Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, a couple from South Shields, were among those still yet to be found and family members have travelled to Manchester to try to locate them. Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird said: “My thoughts are with all those who were at the concert in Manchester and their family and friends.
“The terror attack in Manchester has had an effect on communities right across the country, including here in the North East in South Shields and Gateshead. Today we grieve for those who lost their lives and maintain our hope that those missing are found safe and well.
“The attack on Manchester reinforces our vigour and determination to tackle those who cause such atrocities in our communities. Northumbria Police will continue to work with communities across the North East to offer whatever support is needed. We all have a duty to remain alert and report anything suspicious to the police.
“I would like to also reiterate the words of respect to the emergency services and all those who helped. Dealing with such an appalling event is always difficult, and like many others, I recognise the bravery and professionalism in response to the incident.”
The Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, said: “The events in Manchester are a wanton attack on innocent and vulnerable people.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and particularly for those from the North East who had travelled across for what they expected to be simply a great night out.”
Scotland Yard said extra armed officers will be deployed at Wembley for this weekend’s FA Cup Final and at Twickenham for the Aviva Premiership final.