Doctors battle to save lives of children wounded in Manchester bombing – as their injured parents desperately wait outside operating theatres and refuse treatment
WOUNDED parents are said to be refusing treatment as they wait outside operating theatres where surgeons are battling to save children injured in last night's Manchester Arena suicide bombing.
Twelve children were rushed to Manchester Children's Hospital after a bomb - believed to be packed with nails and bolts - exploded at an Ariana Grande concert just after 10.30pm last night.
At least 22 people, including children, have died, and 59 were taken to eight hospitals across the northern city. Another 60 "walking wounded" were treated at the scene.
Reporters outside hospital described how doctors are battling to save the lives of young victims on the operating table while their injured parents refuse treatment as they wait outside theatres for news of their children.
Sky News said hospital staff described distressing scenes last night as panicked relatives turned up at hospitals desperately searching for their loved ones.
All routine surgery has reportedly been cancelled so medics can focus on treating the injured.
Cowardly ISIS thugs have claimed responsibility for attack today, praising its "soldier" for the bombing of innocent music fans.
North West Ambulance Service confirmed nine patients were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, six to Salford, six to Wythenshawe, six to Stepping Hill, eight to Royal Bolton, seven to Royal Oldham and five to North Manchester.
Chief executive Derek Cartwright said he was "extremely proud" of staff's response to the devastating attack.
In a statement today he said: "“No matter how much we train our staff for incidents such as this, nothing can prepare you for the shock and sadness when tragedies like this occur.
"This is, indeed, a very sad time for Manchester."
He also thanked members of the public for volunteering to help with blankets, first aid and tea.
Huge queues formed outside blood donor centres in the city this morning.
After a plea from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service, donors flocked to give blood in a show of solidarity against terror this morning.
Workers at donation centres described turning up to work to find queues of well-wishers already waiting outside.
The blood service website also crashed due to high volumes of people desperate to find out how they can help.
This morning the service confirmed it has enough blood but called for new donors, particularly those with O negative type blood, to donate.
People are being asked to register to give blood at a later date, but to make sure they keep any pre-booked appointments over the next few days.
Click here to find out where you can go to donate blood.
Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHSBT, said: "We are responding to last night's events in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the people affected by this tragic incident.
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"We do have all the blood required for hospital patients at the present time, however, we are always keen to encourage new donors to register and existing donors to book an appointment.
"If you have an appointment to give blood in the next few days, please do your best to keep it, particularly if you are blood group O negative."
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins confirmed victims are being treated at eight hospitals across Manchester.
How to give blood - checking you're eligible and making an appointment
Giving blood is simple and saves lives. Here are the four steps you need to follow:
1. Check you are eligible to give blood at blood.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 23 23
2. Find an appointment – a number of appointments can be booked in advance
3. If you are unable to book now, then please try for a later date
4. A limited number of walk-in slots are available
Register to be a donor online at , call 0300 123 23 23, or attend a donation venue
Worried relatives of concert-goers are still desperately seeking news of their loved ones after the blast tore through crowds leaving the gig just after 10.30pm.
Kind-hearted strangers opened their homes to those stranded in the city after the attack last night.
Around 60 people caught up in the bombing were reportedly taken in by Holiday Inn hotels near the arena.
Health workers have flocked to Manchester to support local hospitals treating the wounded.
Kirsty Withers, a theatre clinical manager at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay (UHMB) NHS Foundation Trust, wrote online to say: "We are visiting for a health conference from morecambe bay trust tomorrow 3 Theatre ODPs available if needed."
Stuart Hosking-Durn, an emergency preparedness, resilience and response professional with UHMB, also used Twitter to offer help, posting: "do you need extra hands, we have staff in Manchester, have ID and can attend."
Mancunian GP Faizan Awan tweeted: "If you need any help doing clinical work either on wards or minors, let me know. Can be with you in 10 minutes."
North West Ambulance NHS Trust sent 60 ambulances to the scene at Manchester Arena.
Cops said the priority was to determine whether the attacker - who appeared to have lay in wait for fans to leave the main arena before striking - was part of a terror network.
The bomb exploded in the foyer moments after the US pop star left the stage as fans headed out of the stadium towards nearby Victoria train station.
Fans have slammed security at the venue, claiming they have been able to enter the venue without their bags being checked properly.
Those concerned about their family or friends can call the following emergency helpline on 0161 8569 400
In a statement last night, Manchester Arena said the attack took place "outside the venue in a public space".
Thousands who had watched the appearance fled after hearing a “massive bang” with crowds of screaming and crying teens rushing from the venue.
Witnesses told how nuts and bolts were sent flying in the blast, and described scraps of human flesh covering horrified fans.
Prime Minister Theresa May has slammed the "appalling terrorist attack", which came on the fourth anniversary of the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby.
