Manchester bombing has stunned us all

Normally I use my editor’s note to highlight local issues that appear in the paper.

But this week I am making no apology for commenting on the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester.

I am sure I speak for everyone in Rutherglen, Cambuslang and the surrounding areas when I say our thoughts and sympathies are with those affected by the bombing.

When I awoke to the news on Tuesday morning I could not quite believe what I was seeing.

Upon reading it had been an Ariana Grande concert it became clear many of the victims would be young girls and teenagers who had their whole lives ahead of them.

What had these innocents done to deserve such a brutal attack? What sort of warped, depraved mind could possibly find offence in children enjoying a night of music? Some of them went to enjoy what would have been the greatest night of their lives. They will never return.

Whoever is responsible for this was pure evil and anyone who helped them should feel the full force of justice.

Some will seek to find blame where none should lie, but it is important to bear in mind that the vile creature responsible had a choice and they chose to go to the concert and take the lives of at least 22 innocent people.

Given Manchester’s reputation for producing great music, it is additionally poignant that this happened at a gig.

We must ensure these concerts continue and that we show those who would seek to destroy us that they will not succeed.

Our music will be around long after their barbaric ideology is just dust in the wind.