May 23, 2017 11.48 am This story is over 81 months old

Lincolnshire PCC: Vile Manchester terrorist attack ‘designed to target innocent young girls’

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones has revealed that he and his eight-year-old daughter attended an Ariana Grande concert in Birmingham just days before the callous terrorist attack at Manchester Arena. The PCC condemned the suicide bomb attack at around 10.30pm on May 22, which has so far killed 22 people, while reserving special…

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones has revealed that he and his eight-year-old daughter attended an Ariana Grande concert in Birmingham just days before the callous terrorist attack at Manchester Arena.

The PCC condemned the suicide bomb attack at around 10.30pm on May 22, which has so far killed 22 people, while reserving special praise for the emergency services.

He also said he will be contacting Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at some point today to offer solidarity and support.

Marc Jones said: “Most of that 15,000 audience were parents with kids. To target such a gathering can have no justification.

“It’s chilling to think that days ago my own family enjoyed the same concert and this morning families just like ours are having to come to terms with the horrific consequences of a mindless attack designed to target innocent young girls.

“My heart goes out to the families and friends of all those caught up in this vile act of terrorism.

“A huge thank you to the emergency services who ran to that scene not knowing what may come next.

“Last night they saved lives by risking theirs and we should never forget that they are prepared to do that day in and day out to keep us and our values safe.”

Police believe that they know the identity of the terrorist and think that the attack was carried out by one person.

However, they are now investigating whether he was acting alone and had any help carrying out the atrocity.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Ian Hopkins said: “This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.

“Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives.

“Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones.

“We continue to do all we can to support them.”