Manchester suicide bombing terror attack kills 22, first victim named as health and social care student

A young heath and social care student from Lancashire has been named as the first victim of the Manchester suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena last night.

Georgina Callander with Ariana Grande

Georgina Callander, 18, pictured here with Ariana Grande a couple of years ago, was one of 22 people who died after the explosion on Monday at the end of a concert by the US singer, who tweeted that she was "broken" by the tragic events.

News is coming through that the youngest victim was an eight year old girl killed in the blast. The girl, Saffie Roussos, 8, was a pupil at Tarleton Primary School, in Lancashire

The suspect, as yet unnamed by the police, is said to have been a lone attacker  who detonated a homemade bomb in the packed foyer at 22:33 BST on Monday, in what Prime Minister Theresa May called an "appalling, sickening" terrorist act.

Armed police have arrested a 23-year-old man in Chorlton, south Manchester, in connection with the attack, the BBC has reported.

In a statement by Runshaw College in Leyland made with "enormous sadness", they confirmed that Georgina was on the second year of a health and social care course.

"Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina's family, friends, and all of those affected by this loss," the college said.

"We are offering all available support possible at this tragic time, including counselling with our dedicated student support team."

Georgina was studying for qualifications to enable her to give service to others and our thoughts and prayers go to her and all the victims and families.

Relatives are using social media to hunt for missing loved ones, and an emergency number, 0161 856 9400, has been set up.

The UK is an open country where people can visit and stand close to government buildings. They can roam freely in city centres and airports. Will this have to change in order to guarantee the safety of its citizens and visitors?

I have been to many countries where people are scanned with metal detectors and have their bags searched before entering public buildings, shopping malls, airports and railway stations. After the initial surprise, you eventually learn to live with it and feel safer for it. Sadly, this increased level of security could become a part of our life in the UK.