Defiant runners take to Manchester's streets after arena bombing

Tens of thousands of defiant runners took to the streets for the Great Manchester Run following last week's arena bombing.

It was one of the first large-scale events to take place in the city centre after Monday's deadly terror attack.

Many armed police were deployed as spectators watched athletes compete in the half marathon and 10,000-metre races.

Some officers were brought in from other forces including North Wales, Merseyside, West Yorkshire and Cheshire to boost security.

Before the half marathon, there was a minute's silence for the 22 victims of the atrocity at the city's arena.

Sky's Frazer Maude said: "It's been an emotional day. It was a very difficult event to police. It only got the go-ahead on Wednesday from Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council."

He added: "Deliberations were made at a time when the threat level was critical (the highest). That has since been reduced. But we are still seeing many armed officers here.

"Over 13 miles of roads through the city centre needed to be checked, secured, and patrolled by wardens and police."

Meanwhile, people in the city have raised thousands of pounds by getting tattoos of bees in memory of the victims.

Studios have got together to offer to tattoo the bee symbol on people for £50, with all proceeds going to those directly affected by the explosion.

Long queues of people wanting the distinctive symbol formed at some studios in the city, as well as further afield in Liverpool.

Those who have opted for the tattoo include the mother of 15-year-old bomb victim Olivia Campbell.

The history of the insect as a motif for Manchester dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when the city was at the centre of textile manufacturing.

It is believed the busy workers in the mills were commonly compared to bees in their hives and so the association was born.