Manchester newspaper raises more than £200k for victims of terror attack

A local newspaper has been overwhelmed with donations after setting up a fund for victims of the Manchester terror attack.

The Manchester Evening News wasted no time in setting up the JustGiving page to raise £250,000 to help support the families of those killed and injured at Manchester Arena.

Thousands of people have so far donated over £220,000 to the ‘We Stand Together Manchester’ fund, just hours after the page went live.

The paper wrote: “The people of Manchester are in shock after a devastating terrorist attack which targeted young music fans at the Arena…

“Many Manchester Evening News readers have responded to news of the atrocity by asking how they can help those affected.”

Readers rushed to donate, many expressing their grief at the tragedy, which saw at least 22 people killed, including many children and young people.

One person wrote on the page: “There are no words to express my sorrow for your loss. May you find comfort and the strength to cope.”

Another added: “I wish I could do something more to help. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this atrocity.”

Three people killed in the attack have been named as eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Bethany Callander and 26-year-old John Atkinson.

Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that “many” of the victims were children and said the suicide bomber’s identity was now known to police.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the incident, while a controlled explosion related to the attack has taken place.

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