Ariana Grande leads tributes to Manchester Arena attack victims two years on

Ariana Grande has led tributes to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing, two years on from the attack.

Twenty-two people were murdered at the venue when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device in the foyer at the end of the singer's show.

Marking the anniversary, Grande simply posted a bee emoji - the worker bee being a symbol of Manchester - to her Instagram story.

Grande’s mother also offered her condolences in remembering the victims.

Joan Grande, who was present at the Arena on the night of the attack, posted a message of solidarity on Twitter.

She wrote: “All my love Manchester, today and everyday…you are with me always, in my heart and in my mind.

“To ALL of you who have suffered and still suffer from tremendous loss, trauma or devastating injury…I love you, I send you a warm hug, today and forever. #OneLove”

Hundreds turned up to a two minute silence held on Wednesday in Saint Anne's Square where flowers were laid to pay tribute to the victims two years after the fateful attack.

Others wrote messages in chalk on the pavement with letters and balloons to commemorate the 22 people who died.

The Manchester Survivors Choir then put on an emotional performace following the two minute silence.

Cross-party politicians also offered messages of condolence, including Theresa May.

The Prime Minister said: “Two years on from the horrific Manchester Arena attack, we remember the victims and think of all those who live with the memories of that night. Such a cowardly act pales against the strength, spirit and community of #Manchester.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham tweeted a picture including the names of the victims.

He added the words: "Today is a day to remember, to reflect & to recommit to all those whose lives changed on 22/5/17.

"We will always be there for you."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also posted a message of solidarity.

"We will never be divided by terrorism & hate. #manchestertogether," he wrote.

Dan Hett, whose brother Martyn was killed in the attack, thanked people for their "kind words" and said he would be attending a memorial.

"Thanks for the kind words already, all," he wrote. "I'm trying not to post old photos or wistful platitudes today.

"I'm going to do the school run, go to a memorial thing, then I'll probably get drunk and cry with a bunch of people later. This is every year now I guess. Stay okay."

Both Manchester United and Manchester City paid their respects on Twitter with images of the Manchester bee.

"This City Remembers," Man City posted, while Man United tweeted: "#ManchesterTogether: then, now and forever."

The North West Ambulance Service tweeted: "If this brings back distressing thoughts or memories, don't hesitate to ask for some support."

Greater Manchester Police wrote of the victims: "Our thoughts will always be with their families and all those injured or affected."

May 22 also marks the anniversary of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in 2013.

The 25-year-old serviceman was walking near his barracks in Woolwich, south-east London, when he was rammed with a car before his attackers attempted to behead him.

Mr Rigby’s mother, Lyn Rigby, In paying tribute to her son, Ms Rigby also offered her condolences to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing, which happened on May 22, 2017.

She added: “It’s also a horrendous time for all the families who lost loved ones at the Manchester Arena bombing two years ago.

“We would also like to send our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who lost loved ones at the Manchester Arena. It’s a day none of us want to remember but our thoughts are with you all.

“Here's to Lee and all the victims of this terrible anniversary. May they all Rest In Peace.”