Response to terror attack at Manchester Arena
Vigils in Manchester, Leeds and Bradford tonight at 6pm.
Greater Manchester Citizens, part of community organising charity Citizens UK, are saddened and horrified by the terror attack in our city, at the Manchester Arena yesterday. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and our emergency services who are at the forefront of dealing with this tragic incident.
Khalid Anis, Islamic Society of Britain in Manchester, and member of Manchester Citizens, said:
“Today, we wake up to the sad news of a terror attack at the heart of our city that has killed many innocent individuals, tragically some are our very young who were at the concert with friends and families. Manchester communities are strong and resilient and will no doubt deal with this latest tragedy in the usual Mancunian way; working together and not allowing anyone to hijack this tragic event for their own agenda. We ask all communities to be extra vigilant over the coming weeks and support our police service with any information that they may have to prevent any further incidents.”
Sir Peter Fahy, Chair of the Greater Manchester Citizens Sponsor Committee said:
“We are shocked at the tragic news of this terror attack at the heart of Manchester City Centre, the tragic loss of life and the sheer scale is difficult to comprehend. We ask for all to stay calm and support our emergency services in whatever way they can to help them in this hour. Communities will be coming together across Manchester to say clearly we will not let hatred divide us."
Greater Manchester Citizens is helping to co-ordinate communities to come together for a vigil at 6pm taking place at Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall along with the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police.
Vigils will also take place in Leeds and Bradford. At Leeds Minister tonight (Tuesday) the vigil begins at 6pm. It will be led by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, and the Rector of Leeds, Canon Sam Corley.
A t the same time, 6pm, at Bradford Cathedral the Bishop of Bradford, Rt Revd Toby Howarth will lead a Prayer Vigil with other civic and religious leaders. All other churches in the diocese are being asked, wherever possible, to be open for prayer.