Third victim of the Manchester terror attack identified

The attack happened on Monday night

Outside the Manchester Arena
Published 23rd May 2017
Last updated 23rd May 2017

The third victim of Manchester's terror attack has been identified as 26-year-old John Atkinson from Bury in Greater Manchester.

John has been described as an "amazing young man" by his heartbroken family and friends.

His friends have been paying tribute to him on Facebook saying,

'Thinking of all the Atkinsons at this very sad time John Atkinson you turned into an amazing young man so kind and thoughtful you will be missed by everyone.'

Whilst another friend Lee Paul, posted, 'Sleep tight John Atkinson. Thoughts and prayers with all your family and the other 21 people who lost there lives last night.'

Two victims previously named are eight-year-old Saffie Roussos and 18-year-old Georgina Bethany Callander, both from Lancashire.

8-year-old Saffie Roussos and 18-year-old Georgina Callander

Eight-year-old Saffie Roussos and 18-year-old Georgina Callander

Chris Upton, headteacher at Tarleton Community Primary School, spoke about Saffie saying, "News of Saffie’s death in this appalling attack has come as a tremendous shock to all of us and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends. The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.

"Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair."

In a statement on Facebook the college that Georgina attended said 'It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday's Manchester attack was one of our students,' they went on to day they offered their 'deepest sympathies' to her friends and family and would be offering counselling to students.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that there have been 22 fatalities in total and 59 people are injured.

In a statement released they said this was 'the most horrific incident' they as a force have had to deal with. The full statement also confirmed that the attacker died at the arena and they believe he used an 'improvised explosive device'.

Here's how the events unfolded on Monday night.

Following the incident, celebrities across the world have paid their respects to the victims and their families, including Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Olly Murs.

Eyewitness Shauna spoke to us about what she experienced last night.

A freephone emergency number has been released for those concerned about friends and family: 0800 096 0095