Scottish bomb survivor ‘amazing us every day with her strength’

● Parents of Laura Macintyre thank well-wishers for their support

Manchester bomb victim Laura Macintyre has made “remarkable progress” after suffering serious injuries in the terrorist attack, her parents have said.

Michael and Nan Macintyre said their daughter “is amazing us every day with her strength and determination” as she is treated in hospital.

The couple said the 15-yearold had “sustained horrendous injuries”, but has now been taken off a ventilator and is able to talk to them.

Laura, from Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, was at the Ariana Grande concert with her friend Eilidh Macleod, 14.

The Castlebay Community School pupils were reported missing after they failed to get in touch with family following the explosion. It was later confirmed that Eilidh was among the dead, while Laura was found in a Manchester hospital.

In a statement, Laura’s parents said: “We have been overwhelmed by the love, help and support from everyone. It means so much to us.

“Laura sustained horrendous injuries, the main worries being head and leg injury.

“She is making remarkable progress. Today she came off the ventilator and is talking and recognising us. She is amazing us every day with her strength and determination.

0 Laura Macintyre sustained serious injuries in the blast, but her parents have said she is making ‘remarkable progress’ and people personally affected by the terrorist attack have marked the week since the tragedy by flocking to an unofficial memorial to the dead and injured.

The usually bustling St Ann’s Square has become a sombre focal point for outpourings of grief, with hundreds of floral bouquets covering the plaza, alongside teddy bears, football scarves, and poignant handwritten notes for the 22 dead.

Helen Hayward, 25, who has lived in Manchester for seven years, said she was proud to call the city home in the wake of the tragedy.

She said: “I’ve heard stories about people opening their doors to victims, offering free lifts. It makes me really proud to live here and be part of such a strong community.”

She said of St Ann’s Square: “It’s very sombre, people are very quiet and respectful. I think it’s respectful and rememberingit,butalsoadefiance and continuing to be normal and not be defeated by it.”