Manchester Arena Incident

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.

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

(Tennyson)

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

Beyond sad - I have no words.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

All political campaigning is to cease for a day as a mark of respect. This should include GN. So many of us have grandchildren the same age as some of the victims. So appalling. So very sad.

Many who survive will have life-changing injuries.

There just aren't the words to express my sadness, disgust and anger .

Sickening!
Children.!

Dreadful news from Manchester, how many more innocent people will die. Such a wonderful response from local people and services, please God that this the final extent of deaths.

This is so awful for everyone there that night. The response from police, hospitals and emergency services has been wonderful. So much good in the face of this horror, 22 dead, 59 injured, heart goes out to them and their families. I am estranged from my granddaughter, who I know as a teenage loves live gigs, all I can think is please don't let her be involved in this. No reason she would be as its a school night. It is heartbreaking.

Dreadful news to wake up to.
Thinking especially of NW grans and all those who had friends or family there and may still be waiting to hear they are safe.

Dreadful news.
Many parents appealing for news of their children. It makes you want to wrap them up in cotton wool and never let them out of your sight.
Mans inhumanity to man reaches us.
Heartfelt sympathy to all affected.

What an event to target - very young girls are fans of Ariana, including my DGD aged 8.

Kind deeds from folk in Manchester.

Humanity in the midst of derangement.

RIP

Shocking,19 dead and many injured,I despair what is happening to our world.Thoughts are with all affected by this tragedy .

Targeting children. Words fail me.