Scottish Catholic Observer

By Amanda Connelly

“I was horrified and distressed by the death, injury and chaos caused by the violent atrocity at the Manchester Arena last night,” he said. “I pray for those who were killed, for the injured, for the families and friends, and for everyone involved.

“Random killing and maiming of human beings is abhorrent to God and to man. The only way is the way of love and peace and justice.”

At least 22 were killed, including children, and 59 injured after a bomb went off at an Ariana Grande concert in the Manchester Arena.

Several individuals remain missing, including two young Scottish girls from Barra, whose families are desperately trying to locate them.

Laura MacIntyre and Eilidh MacLeod, both aged 15, travelled to the concert and have not been heard from since the attack took place.

Both families have made emotional appeals on social media to find the girls, with Laura’s dad posting on Twitter this morning while Eilidh’s aunt, Margaret MacNeil wrote on Facebook: “My neice and her friend were at the Ariana Grande concert tonight and there has been no contact since the explosion. Please let us find the girls safe and well.”

The blast occurred at 10.35pm, after the American pop star finished her final song for the concert and left the stage.

The lone male attacker detonated a homemade bomb, before dying in the attack.

Manchester police have not released details about the attacker or his motivations but are currently treating the incident a terrorist attack.

It is the worst UK terror attack since the London bombings on July 7 2005, in which 56 people were killed.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols also extended his prayers and sorrow for those involved in a letter to Bishop John Arnold of Salford.

“It is with great sorrow that I heard the media reports of last night’s atrocity, in Manchester,” he said. “May God grant strength and enduring Faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised.

“May God welcome into his merciful presence all who have died. May God turn the hearts of who commit evil to a true understanding of His desire and intention for humanity.”