MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (Reuters) – The city of Manchester of the United Kingdom continues to deal with the aftermath of a large explosion which killed 22 people, including many children.
The city woke up to a terrible reality. It had become the latest victim of a large-scale terror attack, the worst to hit the country since the London bombings on July 7, 2005.
As people travelled to work, there was a visible security presence across the city. For some, the events of the night before were still very fresh.
“We went outside. We saw too many people running and crying, and some parents looking for their daughter or their children, and many had blood on their arms because they were bleeding. So it was horrible,” said Christian, a student from Spain.
“I heard an explosion, or something and I went to see what’s going on. And I saw that people in Manchester arena and Victoria Station running and screaming. And my sister called me, and she was so afraid, ” said another witness Mercedes.
A security alert was raised at the Arndale Shopping Centre in Manchester not soon after the attack, however it quickly emerged not to be connected to the bombing. But it is evident that the atmosphere in the region is tense.
Later in the afternoon, police officers searched a premise thought to belong to the alleged bomber. In another area, a 23-year-old man was arrested.
Meanwhile, the faces of the first victims began to emerge, such as the eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, whose mother and sister were also injured in the attack. And Georgina Callander, an 18-year-old student, was also named among the dead. The injured continued to be treated at eight hospitals around the city, with many of the victims suffering life-changing injuries.
Manchester is the latest major European city to become a victim of terrorism. However, as in previous incidents, those there have said they will not be overshadowed by these events.