Yahoo News Little girl comforted by policewoman had lost mother in bomb blast
The little girl who was photographed being comforted by a policewoman following the Manchester Arena attack lost her mum in the explosion, it has emerged.
Millie Kiss, 12, touched the hearts of millions when she was pictured in the arms of a police officer wrapped in an oversized coat which had been draped around her shoulders to keep her warm.
On Wednesday it emerged that her mother Michelle, 45, was one of 22 victims of bomber Salman Abedi, which left 119 injured.
Just hours before the bombing, Mrs Kiss, of Clitheroe, Lancashire had posted a picture of Millie and a friend on Facebook with the caption: “Excited girlies ready to watch Ariana.”
As pictures began to emerge from the scene on Monday evening, friends spotted Millie in the crowds of wounded concert-goers, and believed that the family had escaped from the blast.
School friends of Millie told their parents that they had recognised the youngster’s shoes which were poking out from beneath the coat as she was being helped by the female officer.
The two girls were taken to hospital, but when family members could not get hold of Mrs Kliss they put about an appeal on social media.
“Millie is ok we are concerned and worried Michelle is still missing,” wrote one.
But today Mrs Kiss’s niece, Laura Murray, confirmed the death on Facebook writing: ‘It’s true thank you everyone for your help we are all heartbroken.’
In a later statement the family said they are "devastated by her loss" and hope to draw on the "courage and strength she showed in her life" as they come to terms with her death.
"Michelle Kiss was a loving wife to Tony, mother to Dylan, Elliot and Millie, as well as daughter to Mick and Christine and sister to Nichola," they said.
"Family was her life and we are all obviously devastated by her loss. She has been taken away from us, and all that love her, in the most traumatic way imaginable.
"We hope to draw from the courage and strength she showed in her life to get through this extremely difficult time."
Olivia Harrison, 19, a friend of eldest son Dylan, 20 said: "She was always happy, Michelle. She was one of those cool mums. Dylan and I used to play out in the street when we were kids. Her door was always open."
Hundreds of friends posted messages of condolences. Sharron Saddington Thomas said: “So so sorry. There are just no words.”
Hannah Steadman added: “Another life lost for not reason. Sleep tight.”
Millie, a talented child actress was recently nominated for a NODA for her performance in White Christmas at the Liverpool Empire and had also taken the lead role in Annie.
Mother-of-three who helped run a scaffolding business with her husband Tony and had recently started a course at Salford University.
Greater Manchester Police says it is ‘confident’ it knows the identity of all the people who died in the Manchester Arena suicide bombing.
