Manchester attack: Crowdfunding campaign raises hundreds of thousands for bombing victims

Hundreds of thousands has been raised for the families and loved ones of the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester.

More than £420,000 has so far been raised on the Just Giving page, set up by Manchester Evening News.

At least 22 people, including children, were killed in the blast at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Another 59 people were injured in the suicide bombing.

The horror unfolded at about 10.30pm in the venue’s foyer, leaving hundreds of people fleeing in terror with young people separated from their parents in the chaos.

A number of those who donated money on the regional newspaper’s fundraising page left messages of support and condolences for the victims.

One wrote: “Cannot even begin to comprehend the pain and suffering for all these people, those who have lost friends and loved ones. RIP to those lost and my love and thoughts are with you all.”

And another said: “I feel sick to my stomach that this has happened. All those poor families whose lives are changed forever because of one evil person. RIP beautiful angels this should never have happened.”

In response to the donations, the newspaper wrote on Facebook: “In all of this darkness, a little bit of light. This is why we love you, Manchester. Thank you to everyone who has donated.”

Among the dead are eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Calder and 26-year-old John Atkinson.

Families continued to search frantically for those still missing on Tuesday, many of whom were teenagers.

The suspect behind the bomb attack has been identified by British authorities as Salman Abedi, US officials have said.

Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos was confirmed to be among the dead.

She had been at the concert with her mother and sister when the bomb went off.

Chris Upton, headteacher at Tarleton Community Primary School, where she was a pupil, said in a statement: “Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word.”

Earlier today, 18-year-old Georgina Callander was named as another victim of the atrocity.

Shelby Wharton, 17, told the Standard she was “kind and loving” saying: “We were all praying for her to be found safely. Then we were told she had passed away.

“She was always very open, would talk to everyone. She was so nice. It does not feel real. I just pray for her family.”

John Atkinson, a 26-year-old from Bury, was the third victim named after the attack.

One friend wrote on Facebook: "Thoughts and prayers with all your family and the other 21 people who lost their lives last night."