‘The thought anyone could go to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking’
An eight-year-old girl and a college student were among the first people to be named as victims of Momday night’s Manchester terrorist attack.
Saffie Roussos, eight, was described by the headteacher at her school in Preston as a “beautiful little girl”.
Another victim was named by her college as Georgina Callander, thought to be 18. She was studying health and social care at Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire.
And tributes have been paid to 28-year-old John Atkinson from Bury, who was named by friends on Facebook as another apparent victim.
Paying tribute to Saffie in a statement released through Lancashire County Council, Chris Upton, headteacher of Tarleton Community Primary School, said: “News of Saffie’s death in this appalling attack has come as a tremendous shock to all of us and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends. The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.
“Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.”
Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire, spoke of its “enormous sadness” after hearing of Ms Callander’s death.
A spokesman said the teenager was on the second year of her health and social care course, and was a former student at Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy.
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina’s family, friends, and all of those affected by this loss,” the college said.
Friends of Mr Atkinson set up a fund for his family, which received more than £1,000 in less than an hour after being established.
“John was one in a million and loved by so many,” wrote Hayley Turk, who organised the fund through website Gofundme.
“A true gentleman,” she added. “Absolutely heartbroken,” wrote aother contributor, Kimberley Bowker.