A doctor at Manchester's Royal Infirmary Hospital has told Sky News that patients were refusing treatment last night, so that they could make sure their children would be seen to.
This follows a suicide attack on Manchester Arena last night, that left 22 people dead and 59 injured. Twelve children were among the victims, with Manchester Children's Hospital receiving the same number of patients into their care, while others were taken to facilities across the city.
Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, John Rouse, said: "It's been a terrible night and morning in terms of Greater Manchester. Although we have also seen some of the best aspects of Greater Manchester and the people who live there as well.
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"Clearly there are a number of individuals who have very, very serious injuries and are requiring intensive care and people who are going to be in hospital for a long time in terms of that treatment."
Luckily, hospitals were well stocked with blood supplies, and many people who had lined up to give blood were politely turned away from donation centres.
Three of the 22 victims have been publicly identified so far. The latest is John Atkinson, 26, is being described by friends and family as an 'amazing man'. Many are posting tributes to social media:
Earlier, Lancashire County Council confirmed that Saffie-Rose Roussos, aged eight, was the youngest victim of the bombing. It's believed she was separated from her mum and sister in the initial panic. They are understood to be in separate hospitals receiving treatment for shrapnel wounds.
The first to be identified was Georgina Callandar, 18, who was a big fan of Ariana Grande. She met her idol in 2015 during a meet-and-greet.
Prince Charles has released a statement, calling the attacks a 'dreadful event'.
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The Prince of Wales said: "That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness.
"Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling at this incredibly difficult time, and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way."
Despite the tragic incident sending a shockwave through the community, local music venues say that won't deter them from opening tonight. Northern Quarter music venue Soup Kitchen has issued a heartfelt statement on Facebook to say that a live music event planned for tonight will still be going ahead.
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Credit: Facebook/Soup Kitchen
American band White Hills are still set to play the venue tonight, with Soup Kitchen management commenting that they 'don't want [their] shutters to be down'.
Vigils are being held around the UK, but thousands are expected at the event at Albert Square in Manchester at 6pm.
Tragically, there are still people who are missing from last night's concert. An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area: 0800 096 0095.
Featured Image Credit: PA
