'Angel of Manchester' who took in 50 kids after bomb attack

A woman who sheltered distressed children affected by last night’s terror attack in Manchester has been hailed as a hero.

Paula Robinson, 48, said she was at the train station next to the arena with her husband when she felt the explosion and saw dozens of teenagers screaming and running away from Manchester Arena.

The Good Samaritan, from West Dalton about 40 miles east of Manchester, then ushered them into a Holiday Inn and put out a message on Facebook.

At least 22 people have been killed and 59 injured in an explosion at the venue on Monday night.

Police say the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack and that a lone male suicide bomber detonated an “improvised explosive device” in the foyer of the venue.

British Transport police say the explosion occurred at about 10:30pm and the attacker died on the scene. Chief constable Ian Hopkins has confirmed children are “among the deceased”.

“The most horrific incident we have ever faced in Manchester,” he added. The first victim has been named as Georgina Bethany Callander, 16.

Mancunians from taxi drivers to home owners have stepped in to help victims of the blast.

Many other hotels said they would offer free rooms to those affected by the blast – in particular children separated from their parents.

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“We ran out,” Mrs Robinson said. “It was literally seconds after the explosion. I got the teens to run with me.”

She wrote online: “We have got about 50 kids with us waiting to be picked up, they are safe we will look after them.

“Please repost for any parents with children at MEN. We have taken as many kids as we can to Holiday Inn. We will keep them safe and stay with them.”

One Twitter user said: “Get her a cuppa, a hug and a knighthood. #hero”

Another said: “Paula Robinson you are an incredible person to take terrified kids to a place of safety, a beacon in the darkness of this horror”

One more added: “Whoever this Paula Robinson person is, she is a hero.”

Social media users are using the hashtag #ManchesterMissing to help trace missing concert-goers in the wake of the attack, which killed 19 people.

Manchester Police have set up an emergency number – 0161 856 9400 – for those who are concerned about relatives or loved ones who may have been in the area.

Facebook has activated its Safety Check function, which allows users who were in the area to tell family that they are safe.