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8 and 18-year-old girls the first named victims of Manchester attack

Saffie Roussos and Georgina Callander died after the Manchester Arena was targeted last night.

THE ATTACK AT the Manchester Arena last night killed 22 people and left some families still searching for their loved ones.

What should have been a fun night for young girls and boys turned into a nightmare after a device exploded at the Manchester Arena as an Ariana Grande gig came to a close.

Along with the deaths, 59 people were injured. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A UK ambulance official told the Associated Press that 12 children under the age of 16 were among those injured in the concert attack.

Three of the victims have been named so far:

  • Saffie Rose Roussos (8) from Leyland, near Preston.

saffie orussos Twitter Twitter

The eight-year-old was named by Lancashire County Council. It’s believed Saffie Roussos’ mum and sister are receiving treatment in two different hospitals.

The Guardian reports that her principal at Tarleton Community primary school said she was “simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word” and that her death had come as a “tremendous shock”.

  • Georgina Callander (18)

georgina callander Instagram Instagram

Georgina Callander was a huge Ariana Grande fan and had been pictured on Instagram with her idol. She was a student at Runshaw College, on its Health and Social Care course.

In a statement, Runshaw College said: “Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina’s friends, family, and all those affected by this loss.”

  • John Atkinson

John Atkinson, believed to be in his twenties, is the third victim to be named. He studied health and social at Bury College.

A friend said on Facebook: “Sleep well John Atkinson. Thoughts and prayers with all your family and the other 21 people who lost [their] lives last night”. He described him as a “true gentleman”.

- With reporting from - © AFP, 2017

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