After last night's horrific attacks at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, U.K., ordinary people rushed to help in whatever way they could, extending kindness to strangers amid the confusion and grief of the aftermath.
The death toll rose to 22, The Guardian reported, including children, and another 59 people were injured. The police are investigating the attack as a suicide bombing, and say that the alleged lone bomber died after detonating an "improvised explosive device."
Here's how the citizens of Manchester have united in kindness.
They gave up their homes to strangers.
When thousands were stranded after the blast, people started offering rooms on social media using the hashtag #RoomForManchester, reported The Independent. A Holiday Inn near the concert venue, for example, donated rooms.
Sikh temples are offering accommodation and food for all.
Sikh Temples in Manchester, UK offering food & accommodation. They are open for ALL people. #PrayForManchester #ManchesterArena #England pic.twitter.com/l52J9B5JjN
— Harjinder S Kukreja (@SinghLions) May 23, 2017
Taxi drivers offered those who were stranded rides home.
#Manchester.
— Danny (@DannyRickard) May 23, 2017
Taxi drivers offering free lifts home.
Local hotels offering safe haven for children
Local people offering beds for the night
They also took injured people to the hospital.
The acts of humanity. Taxi drivers taking the injured to hospital & visitors to safety in the city after terrorist attack #ManchesterArena pic.twitter.com/5M5IMqILuB
— Elaine Willcox (@ElaineWITV) May 23, 2017
People are giving blood.
People are lining up to donate blood, the BBC reported. The National Health Service (NHS) currently has enough, but it is encouraging people to register for future donations.
Businesses are offering people food.
#Manchester the wonderful staff at @SoupremeC are offering hot food & comfort to police & ambulance staff @gmpolice pic.twitter.com/q5yjkyK7z0
— jenny (@jennyamygreen93) May 23, 2017
I've seen so much of this today. Been offered so many free sandwiches. Thank you Manchester. pic.twitter.com/dgFWAFG3X8
— Hannah Al-Othman (@HannahAlOthman) May 23, 2017
Stores are providing free services, like letting people charge their phones.
If anyone in Manchester is looking for a loved one and needs to charge their phone, or use a phone, please use any EE store you find.
— EE (@EE) May 23, 2017
At least one charity is offering free counselling.
We are offering free counselling to those affected. @TLC_Charity #WeStandTogether #Manchester #ManchesterArena pic.twitter.com/Mag8YViYJ8
— Paige Hughes (@PaigeHughesTLC) May 23, 2017
Local newspaper Manchester News launched a crowdfunding page for the families of those killed or injured, and has raised £250,000 in under five hours.
£250,000 raised to support victims' families in under five hours. Manchester, you're the best https://t.co/4IGf25Qa7R
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) May 23, 2017
The newspaper has also launched a Missing page, for those who are looking for their family and friends.
Missing in Manchester after Arena attack: Loved ones are desperate to hear from these peoplehttps://t.co/2dKIUimxte
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) May 23, 2017
Candlelight vigils are being planned.
#Manchester #westandtogether. Join me tonight, 6pm vigil, Albert Square to support people who lost loved ones in Arena attack. pic.twitter.com/KiVGPzatBx
— SalfordMayor (@salford_mayor) May 23, 2017
In Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens, buskers played songs to cheer up passerby, like "All You Need Is Love."
Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens packed with workers on lunch as a busker plays "All You Need Is Love" and "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" pic.twitter.com/GH1xp9d4IC
— Arj Singh (@singharj) May 23, 2017
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