THE TERROR attack in Manchester has seen residents across the district step up to show solidarity with the city.
The devastating attack at Manchester Arena shortly after a concert by US singer Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, a number of them children and teenagers, and a further 59 injured – some critically. Greater Manchester Police say 22 year-old Salman Abedi – who died in the blast – was carrying a homemade explosive device, which was detonated shortly after the singer left the stage of the 21,000 capacity venue.
Residents in the district have been showing their support for the grief-stricken city by leaving flowers, joining in with memorials and planning fund-raising events.
Townspeople in Kenilworth left flowers and balloons by the clock tower to remember those who died. Many also posted on the Kenilworth Noticeboard facebook page about the attack.
Resident Jan Kenyon said: “It’s so alarming how any of our young people could have been in Manchester on this night. We are all so shocked and saddened.”
And Leon Hidderley said: “I’m originally from Manchester but now live in Kenilworth. Seeing what happened back home really hit me, the MEN was the place of many happy memories growing up.”
At nearby Warwick University students held a vigil for those who lost their lives.
And a Leamington tattooist wanting to raise money for the victims’ families will be marking people with a ‘Manchester bee’ tattoo – which has become the symbol of defiance following the attack. The worker bee was adopted as a motif for the city during the Industrial Revolution.
The mother of 15 year-old victim Olivia Campbell was one of many who has received the tattoo, and swarms of people been contacting Lillington-based tattoo artist Matt Gardner for a bee tattoo to show their solidarity.
Matt – of Ink On Skinz on Crown Way – says he will be charging a minimum of £22 for each tattoo, with the money going to victims. He will be holding sittings on Thursday June 22.
He told the Observer: “We would like to send our sincere condolences to all of those who have been affected by the terrorist attack in Manchester.
“We all need to stand together. As parents we cannot begin to imagine the pain caused to the victims’ families.
“Myself and my wife would like to help and although this is only a small gesture it is all we have to offer.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said the bombing had been a “callous terrorist attack” that targeted “defenceless young people”.
It is the worst terrorist attack in the UK since the July 7 bombings in 2005, in which 52 people were killed by four suicide bombers.
Call Matt on 07949079725 to book or find out more about the tattoo.
