Manchester attack vigil at Albert Square expected to attracts thousands of mourners for suicide bombing victims

THOUSANDS of mourners are expected to join a candlelit vigil to those killed in last night's horrific Manchester Arena massacre later today.

The event will take place in the city's Albert Square at 6pm, paying tribute to the 22 killed in the suicide bomb attack.

The vigil will also provide comfort to the city after it was left reeling as more than 100 people were targeted as they left an Ariana Grande concert at the city centre venue just after 10.30pm.

It follows events across the country as Brits rally in solidarity after the deadliest terror attack on our shores since 2007.

In Peterborough, Cambs, crowds gathered for a minute's silence this afternoon in honour of the victims - which include children.

Confirming tonight's tribute event, Greater Manchester's newly-elected Mayor Andy Burnham said: "This was an evil act. We are grieving today but we are strong."

Three of the 22 victims have been named, including eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos.

Georgina Callander, 18, and John Atkinson, 26, were also killed by the suicide bomber.

Dozens of bouquets, toys and posters have been laid in Manchester as the city grieves for the victims today.

Laying flowers outside St Anne's Church - just a few streets from the arena - this afternoon, music student Hannah Whittaker, 27, from Manchester, said a prayer for the victims.

She said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. The loss of innocent lives is always terrible, but when it’s children, it’s so much worse.

“I’ve got friends who were working at the arena last night, who are safe thankfully.

“A lot of people thought something like this could happen in Manchester, it’s a big city. But you would have thought it would be at a train station or somewhere.

"You don’t expect that to happen at an Ariana Grande concert where there are children.
“I’ve lived here for two years but regardless of where you live, this touches the hearts of everyone.

"It’s hard to find the words when there are children involved.

“The people of Manchester will pull together against this callousness and evil.”

This morning posters and banners displaying the logo We Love MCR popped up across the city.

Celebrities including Cheryl, David Beckham and the stars of Coronation Street shared heartfelt tributes to the victims today as devastated US singer Grande announced she plans to cancel her tour.

Manchester City Council issued a defiant statement today, saying: "Despite the appalling events at the Manchester Arena last night, the city is open for business.

"Those people trying to sow fear will not succeed."

ISIS earlier claimed responsibility for the attack, praising its "soldier" who cowardly targeted young pop music fans as they left the venue.

The bomber has reportedly been identified by British and US authorities, and cops are trying to determine if he was part of a terror cell or acted alone.

Witnesses told of seeing shards of metal tearing into concert-goers in the foyer area of the world-famous concert venue – leaving dozens lying in pools of blood.

Prime minister Theresa May said this morning the attack "stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice".

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