Message from Manchester City Council

Dear Friends

We are all shocked and saddened by the horrific attack carried out at the Manchester Arena on Monday and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The immediate response of the emergency services speaks to their heroism along with the reports of homes and hotels opening up, taxi drivers offering free lifts and people going out of their way to help and care for their fellow citizens. We have also seen everyday people coming together at the Vigils on Albert Square and around Manchester to remember those who have lost their lives and stand together. We have also seen queues of people waiting to donate blood to help the victims – This all shows the true spirit of Manchester and this is something we need to hold onto and be proud of.

We will not let this attack intimidate or divide us – It will bring us together.  The worst thing we could do is what they want.   We have a long history in Manchester of communities standing together during difficult times and in the coming days we will be working closely with community representatives to continue to identify and address any issues and concerns but also amplify the work on community cohesion.

We welcome your feedback on how as a city we continue to strengthen community cohesion across all our communities over the coming weeks.  We would be grateful if you could make contact with us and share your ideas, plans and events by emailing Shazia Awan (s.awan@manchester.gov.uk)

As the citizens of Manchester, we also need to check in with those who may be struggling to come to terms with the attack that took place in the city on Monday and support those who may be vulnerable to being drawn into activities that have the potential to create divisions and tensions in our communities

We also request anyone who experiences a hate crime to report it to Greater Manchester Police by calling 101 or online via True Vision website report-it.org.uk (this can be done anonymously)

A book of condolences has been opened at Manchester Town Hall and is also available online at https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/forms/form/1472/en/book_of_condolence_-_manchester.    We will continue to update communities through our normal channels over the coming days.

Sir Richard Leese

Leader of Manchester City Council