Manchester Arena Incident

What a terrible time for Manchester. I googled the singer, Arianna Grande, having only heard her name, knowing nothing about her, it seems her mass appeal is with the very young who tragically made up her audience yesterday. Oh God this is so awful how heartbreaking for those parents who have lost their sons and daughters and for all those injured, some very badly. I have no idea what the security is like at concerts or football matches these days, but it seems that this sort of event is a soft target. Maybe airport type scanners will have to be introduced.

I had exactly that thought Terri . Nail bombs could never have got through. Cost will be cited. What cost compares to lives?

There were, apparently, bag searches. In an interview the knowledgeable person said that all they can do is move the search further away but that just means a different group of people are vulnerable.

The problem with a single person deciding to do this is there is almost no way - other than luck - that they will not do what they intend to do. I can believe what they say which is that intelligence is really the only way of stopping this ever happening.

The sickening choice of 'soft' targets by the deranged few - its heart-breaking !

My 10 year old granddaughter went to her first concert last year - it could so easily have been there.

.so so heartbreaking...local and frightening....God bless all the families affected. praying for Peace on earth...

Sad and shocking.We have almost got used to it in the UK, first the IRA and now
( Rogue ) Muslim terrorists, but yet it's something we can never really get used to however many times it happens.Without totally changing our way of life, there is nothing more we can do in the way of precautions, especially against suicide bombers.Whoever was responsible for this outrage will soon be clear.To attack a venue where the young are having fun seems to attract these monsters.

it is heart breaking. Bag searches at theses events tend to be perfunctory at best. It's time for tighter security and perhaps being talked through emergency evacuation procedure before events begin. So sad for everyone involved yesterday.

It isn't yet known whether this was a "lone wolf" attack or organised by a terrorist group. However apparently websites and twitter accounts supporting ISIS are already "celebrating" the bombing. I remember reading an article written by someone who had interviewed one of the cowardly leaders of ISIS (anyone else notice how they hide away and keep themselves and their families safe whilst sending others out to die). He said that as the west are so busy protecting hard targets they are going for the soft targets. When asked how they could kill innocent children he said that no-one is innocent and if they would convert to Islam they would not fear death. Of course, they practice a perverted form of Islam which has no relation to that practiced by the majority of Muslims.

The many offers of help and support from the people of Manchester in the aftermath of this evil act shows these cowards they cannot win.

Beyond sad - I have no words.

Just read that an unverified Islamic State Twitter account threatened a terror attack at Manchester Arena 4 hours before the atrocity took place

Tears from the depths of some divine despair
Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes

(Tennyson)

We visited the House of Parliament last Saturday, Our bags were checked and put through the same security machines that they have at airports. We had to walk through a detector.
When we visited the US after 9/11 we had to go through similar security in many places and show our ID. We thought it was over the top but, sadly, perhaps it wasn't.
Those poor families . Would I have let my child 14,15 or 16 go with her friends to something like this with her friends without me? Probably. The families don't need to feel guilt as well as sorrow.

The Independent on line states that fans weren't searched as they went into the concert. If this is true, I'm amazed at such an oversight. Went up to the V&A a couple of months ago and had to turn out handbag, I thought this was mandatory now. It needs to be!

From what I can tell when going into public premises, handbag searches are only cursory and would only pick-up knives, liquid, illicit drink/drugs, etc. I doubt the contents of a small bag could create much damage.

As GG said earlier, a search at the door, gates whatever, only moves the problem elsewhere - the bomber could have let it off in the crowded car park, or train station.

I cannot tell you how this fills us with fear. Several members of my closest family work in a context that regularly puts them at particularly high risk. I will not outline what and where for obvious reasons. The whole of my dear family and DGC are involved at times. But what can anyone do against this perversion of humanity? We are frequently very worried indeed and this has awoken those fears for us.

Those poor young people and their families.

The attacker was outside the venue near the entrance to the foyer. Searches would not have prevented the attack.

My city and its emergency services and inhabitants came together again last night. This was a concert for young people. Local choirs and groups of children from schools were escorted there by members of staff, I wonder if those groups are the one's some insensitively are saying had neglectful parents who let them go alone.

I feel so angry, to attack a venue where young people are congregating is beyond words. It fits with attacks on what Isis see as our unacceptable culture where amongst other freedoms, we allow our children to enjoy concerts as part of their move into young adult life.

So shocked and as a music lover who has been to the arena loads of times am just horrified that someone could target such a venue when it was obvious from the artist performing it would be full of young kids. It's heartbreaking and the first time I've seen news presenters moved to tears as those on GMB were earlier.

I just heard on the radio now. How shocking. Prayers and thoughts to the victims and families

This is so terrible.
I heard that the attacker came in to the foyer through the doors which were open to let people out at the end....

I am a bereaved Parent, and my heart goes out to those Parents who are now having to face the future without their Child.
RIP

Just heard on the radio a mother who is desperately trying to find her 15 year old daughter - heartbreaking.

Heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this atrocity. I hope the people harmed by this terrible event are well supported to cope with their shock,loss & injuries.

These acts of terror only achieve their long term objective if they stir up unrest and instability. The community need to stand together now and not let these wicked acts divide the nation.

I see already early this morning fascist groups like British Freedom, Britain First etc sending out messages on FB and asking people to 'follow' them. Using this appalling event to promote hate is just what the terrorists want.

Agreed Penstemmon The terrorists WANT innocent Muslims to be attacked because it will draw more young people to their cause.