Manchester attack : Minute's silence held in Newark

A minute’s silence was held outside Newark Town Hall this morning to remember the victims of Monday’s terrorist attack in Manchester.

It was part of a nationwide remembrance for those killed and injured at the Manchester Arena.

A total of 22 people including children and teenagers lost their lives in the attack, while 116 were injured, following a concert at the venue by American singer Ariana Grande.

Mr Alan Mellor, clerk to Newark Town Council, was among those taking part in today’s minute’s silence, which was held at 11am.

He said: “What happened in Manchester was just dreadful.

“The country is coming together to remember the victims of this attack.”

The Mayor of Newark, Mrs Rita Crowe, has sent a letter of condolence to the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Mr Eddy Newman.

A book of condolence has also been opened at Newark Town Hall.

Newark and Sherwood District Council staff also observed a minute's silence at Kelham Hall, and the union flag was flown at half-mast.

A second short act of remembrance for those killed in the Manchester terror attack will be held in front of Newark Town Hall at noon on Saturday.

The event will also remember those who were injured.

Prayers will be said and the homage will be led by Mr Tony Roberts, deputy mayor of Newark.

The non-political and inter-faith tribute has been organised by Mr Robert Jenrick, who was the town’s MP until the dissolution of Parliament.

'Spend a few minutes together as a community'

Mr Jenrick, the Conservative candidate for the Newark seat at the General Election, has invited the other candidates — Chantal Lee (Labour) David Watts (Liberal Democrats) and Xandra Arundel (UKIP) — to attend. None will speak at the event.

“It is an opportunity for people who want to pay their respects to come together and spend a few moments together as a community,” Mr Jenrick said.

Earlier in the day a minute’s silence will be held at the Newark Parkrun in Sconce and Devon Park.

Books of condolence were opened at county council offices across Nottinghamshire yesterday morning and will remain open for three weeks before being sent to the leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese.

The books can be signed at, among others, Sherwood Energy Village, Ollerton, and County Hall, West Bridgford.

Flags at all county council buildings have been flying at half-mast as a mark of solidarity.

Reacting to the atrocity at the Manchester Arena, county council leader Kay Cutts said: “It is appalling that this appears to have been an act deliberately targeted at children, young people and families.

“I am sure I speak for everyone living in Nottinghamshire that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Manchester.”