Queen praises people of Manchester after ‘terrorist barbarity’ of concert attack as she observes minute’s silence with Prince Philip
THE QUEEN has condemned the Manchester attack which has killed 22 people as an "act of barbarity".
Her Majesty the people of the city who responded with "humanity and compassion" after the terror attack which took place at an Ariana Grande concert last night.
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The Queen observed a minute's silence before a garden party began at Buckingham Palace today.
And the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - and Prince Harry - have been left "shocked and saddened by the tragedy that unfolded in Manchester overnight".
They said in a joint statement this afternoon: "Hundreds of friends, parents, children, and partners are confronting unimaginable grief today, and we send our thoughts to them all.
"We also send our thanks to the people of Manchester for their display of strength, decency, and community that is an example to the world."
An 18-year-old girl was identified this morning as the first victim of the worst terror attack to hit the UK since 7/7.
Among the many dead is pop fan Georgina Callander who has today been described as a girl who “lit up the room”.
And eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos was also confirmed to have been killed.
Thousands of adults, teenagers and children screamed and fled in panic as a terrorist detonated a huge bomb – thought to be packed with nails and bolts - as Ariana Grande’s concert ended.
And this morning the Queen paid tribute to those who had been affected.
She expressed her "deepest sympathy" with everyone caught up, and thanked the emergency services who helped at the scene "with such professionalism and care".
Her Majesty also expressed her "admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity."
She said: "The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert."
Full statement from the Queen
The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert.
I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.
I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care.
And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.
ELIZABETH R.
This morning Prime Minister Theresa May said the "cowardice of the attacker was met by the bravery of the emergency services and the people of Manchester" after last night's attack.
The Prime Minister said this morning that terrorism would never defeat Britain.
She said: “The attempt to divide us brought countless acts of kindness which brought us together.
“We all, every single one of us, stand with the people of Manchester at this difficult time."
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She added: "And today let us remember those who died and let us celebrate those who helped, safe in the knowledge that the terrorists will never win and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail.
“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people.
“But this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice."
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police said a 23-year-old man was arrested in nearby Chorlton in connection with the attack this morning.