Residents of Manchester have mobilised in the hours after the Ariana Grande concert attack, with offers of help for stranded and injured concertgoers flooding Twitter.
The Victoria train station was closed in the wake of the incident, and was expected to remain closed throughout Tuesday, leaving many people stuck in the city centre without a way home. As many as 21,000 people – many of whom were children and teenagers – were at the concert.
Lots of panicked people. Dozens saying they can't get home. No trains out of Manchester at all.
— Hannah Al-Othman (@HannahAlOthman) May 22, 2017
Using the trending hashtag #roomformanchester, locals offered spare bedrooms, cups of tea and rides to people caught up in the attack.
#roomformanchester we have a spare double bed and two sofas available if anybody needs a place tonight. Salford area, 5 min taxi from arena
— Jesy (@iamjesyrae) May 22, 2017
If you need somewhere to come grab a coffee and await news, head to the arches. We've got the kettle on! #RoomForManchester @GMPCityCentre
— 53two (@53two) May 22, 2017
Anyone needing a lift/place to stay from the Manchester Arena, tweet #roomformanchester Retweet and get this trending to help.
— Cal (@Panayisalad) May 22, 2017
I live 5 mins from the Manchester Arena. I have sofa bed, food/drink and phone chargers if anyone needs any help #roomformanchester
— Nick Q (@QHNick) May 23, 2017
There were also reports of a hotel in the city centre sheltering children who had become separated from their parents. Facebook turned on its safety check feature.
Taxi drivers reportedly converged on the city offering free lifts to people in need.
Taxi's in the centre of Manchester are offering FREE lifts to anyone who can't get home tonight. Please RT & spread the word.
— The Venue Manchester (@VenueManchester) May 22, 2017
People also used the hashtag to appeal for help in finding friends and family members missing in the aftermath.
Manchester City councillor Bev Craig tweeted that people opening their homes and offering free rides was an example of “the manchester I love.”
Mancunians opening their homes to those stranded, and businesses offering free rides. This is the manchester I love. https://t.co/4rFmWZT3SD
— Bev Craig (@bevcraig) May 22, 2017
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