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Prince William Visits Manchester To Meet The Heroic Emergency Services

Prince William Visits Manchester To Meet The Heroic Emergency Services

The brave men and women of the Manchester attack

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

Prince William has praised the people of Manchester for their 'strength and togetherness', following the attack on the city on Monday May 22.

Twenty-two people died and over 100 were seriously injured when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at Manchester Arena, towards the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

In the immediate aftermath, many police, ambulance, doctors and surgeons pulled together, going beyond their normal call of duty to take care of those injured in the blast.

The surprise visit by the Duke of Cambridge saw him visit Manchester Cathedral, Greater Manchester Police Headquarters, and the Manchester Children's Hospital - where many of the victims were taken.

Credit: PA

Credit: PA

In the book of condolence at the cathedral, Prince William wrote: "Manchester's strength and togetherness is an example to the world. My thoughts are with all those affected."

He spent the morning meeting first responders, members of the local community and a tattoo artist, who had been offering to ink the Manchester bee emblem to raise money for those affected.

Ventnor Brewer, 37, said: "I think everyone has conveyed to him the resilience of the city. There are some beautiful people here today and it's a privilege to share their stories."

At GMP HQ, Prince William met Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and was told about the work that had gone on since the attack - the investigations and operations to keep the public safe.

Credit: PA

Credit: PA

William also heard the sad tale of a police constable who tended to the sick and dying inside the arena whilst also looking for his 15-year-old daughter.

Michael Buckley, 47, said: "I wanted to know where she was and whether she was OK, and then there were all these other people badly injured too." Thankfully his daughter was soon found in a hotel and the pair were reunited in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"There was one lady who died three times and we got her back three times," he added. "And then we lost her the fourth time. It was very difficult."

Whilst hearing these stories, William also made sure they were receiving the correct treatment themselves, conscious of their welfare.

PSCO Chris Jenkins, one of the first on the scene, said the Prince was "showing his respect and gratitude for what we did."

Credit:PA

At his second stop, the Prince met first responders and members of the local community who provided vital care and support to those affected by the attack. He spoke to representatives from St John's Ambulance, Northern Rail and the British Red Cross.

While at the cathedral, William spoke to Haseeb Khan, 23, who, alongside his twin brother, Bilal, delivered food and water to emergency service workers the day after the attack.

He then attended the hospital to speak to the injured children and adults from the dreadful attack. The Queen had also visited the hospital during the previous week.

Money is being raised this weekend for the families of those affected by the explosion. The One Love Manchester concert, held at Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday 4 June, features a packed lineup of artists, including Ariana Grande herself.

Source: The Daily Mail

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester attack, prince william