Yorkshire falls silent to remember victims of atrocity
YORKSHIRE FELL silent yesterday in tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena.
This came as the number of those from the region confirmed to have died rose after the blast on Monday, which has claimed 22 victims.
Crowds gathered for the minute silence at 11am at wellknown sites in the UK, including London’s Parliament and Trafalgar Squares, and Manchester’s
Albert Square. The latter has become a focal point over the week, with people laying flowers in the centre and coming together for vigils.
At Manchester’s St Ann’s Square, the sombre silence came to a rousing end with a spontaneous rendition of Oasis hit Don’t Look Back In Anger.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins asked those paying their respects to spend a minute “reflecting” on the events of Monday night.
“Particularly remembering the families of those 22 victims who perished in that terrorist atrocity that we saw here in our great city.
“I’d like you to also think about those that still lie in our hospitals, some very critically injured. Think of them and their families,” he said.
Hundreds turned out to Victoria Gardens in Leeds city centre for the commemoration.
On his final day as the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Gerry Harper addressed the crowd beforehand.
He said: “I was horrified and saddened to hear of the terrorist attack in Manchester on Monday night.
“On behalf of everyone in Leeds, I would like to express our heartfelt support and sympathy to the people of Manchester.
“We offer our condolences to everyone who has been affected by this awful situation, which also affects and includes victims and their families from Leeds. “
Speaking afterwards, Qari Asim MBE, Imam at Makkah Mosque in Hyde Park, said: “Ceremonies like that are hugely important because they send out a very strong message to terrorist extremists that communities are united and that we will not play to their tunes.
“Terrorists want to sow the seeds of division. They want to reinforce the ‘them and us’ narrative.”
He added: “Muslims are saying Britain is our shared home.
“We belong here and we will defend the values of this country that has stood us the test of time.”
Meanwhile, tributes had been paid to those from or linked Yorkshire who died after the explosion.
One victim was Wendy Fawell, 50, from Otley in Leeds.
Her son Adam Fawell, 29, said she would be sadly missed and thanked all who had supported him and his younger sister Charlotte, 15, who had been at the Ariana Grande show with her mother and friends.
Mr Fawell said: “I want to say a massive thank-you to all friends and family who shared posts to try and find her and all the messages that have been sent.
“It really means a lot to us for all you have done. RIP Mum you will be sadly missed.”
It was also confirmed yesterday that Courtney Boyle, a criminology and psychology student at Leeds Beckett University, was among the 22 victims.
She had attended the concert with her stepfather Philip Tron, 32, who also was killed.
The pair were both originally from Gateshead.
Courtney’s mother Deborah Hutchinson, said: “My stunning amazing beautiful daughter you were my rock, you made me so proud with all you had achieved.”
Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, of Adel, Leeds, also died. Her grandmother Pauline Healey remains in intensive care after 15 hours of surgery for shrapnel wounds and fractures to her arms and legs.
Sheffield woman Kelly Brewster, 32, was also among the victims.
She is believed to have just put a deposit down on a house with her boyfriend Ian Winslow.
We belong here and we will defend the values of this country. Qari Asim MBE, Imam at Makkah Mosque in Hyde Park, Leeds.