Andy burnham issues tribute to arena bombing victims eight years after tragedy

THE GREATER MANCHESTER MAYOR POSTED A TRIBUTE EIGHT YEARS AFTER THE BOMBING IN WHICH 22 PEOPLE WERE KILLED 08:38, 22 May 2025 Andy Burnham has paid tribute to the 22 people who lost their

lives in the Manchester Arena bombing on the eighth anniversary of the tragedy. Manchester today commemorates the lives lost in the horrific attack on May 22 2017. Suicide bomber Salman

Abedi murdered 22 people and injured hundreds of others when he detonated a homemade explosive device after an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. _JOIN THE MANCHESTER EVENING

NEWS WHATSAPP GROUP HERE_ In a post on X Mr Burnham wrote: "We know every day is difficult for all those whose lives changed forever eight years ago - but this one particularly so.

"Today we remember, send our love to you all and recommit our unending support." Article continues below Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, has also released

a tribute, saying: "The 22 May 2017 attack was one of the darkest days in Manchester’s history, but its aftermath also showed the city’s remarkable solidarity and Mancunians’ refusal to

give in to those who would seek to divide us. "We will never forget those who were lost that day, their loved ones, those who were injured and everyone who was affected. We remember

them throughout the year but each anniversary is especially poignant.” In 2022, the Glade of Light memorial was unveiled between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham's School of Music,

which acts as a centre of remembrance for the dark chapter in the city's history. A shrine for personal tributes and reflection has also been established at Victoria Station, with

flowers, cards, and pictures of the 22 who were killed laid in an area near to Soldier's Gate at the station. A public inquiry into the attack severely criticised MI5 as well as other

agencies which are responsible for counter-terror operations in the UK. Article continues below The response of emergency services on the night was also criticised in the enquiry. Police are

still searching for suspects who are alleged to have aided or encouraged Salmen Abedi and his brother Hashem Abedi, who was sentenced to a 55-year minimum term in 2020 for his role in the

plot.