The first victims of the Manchester bomb attack at the city’s arena have been named.
Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire, spoke of its “enormous sadness” after hearing that student Georgina Callander had died as a result of the blast at the Ariana Grande concert.
A spokesman said in a statement the young girl was on the second year of her health and social care course, and was a former student at Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy.
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina’s family, friends, and all of those affected by this loss,” the college said.
“We are offering all available support possible at this tragic time, including counselling with our dedicated student support team.”
Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy confirmed that Georgina died as a result of the injuries she sustained.
In a statement the school said: “Georgina was a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff and always made the most of the opportunities she had at the school.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Georgina’s family at this terrible time, and we think especially of her brothers Harry and Daniel who were also former students of the school.
“All of our students will gather together today for a time of prayer and reflection and to give thanks for the life of Georgina.”
Lancashire County Council has just confirmed eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos from Leyland as another victim of the attack.
In a statement released through Lancashire County Council, Tarleton Community Primary School headteacher Chris Upton said: “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.”
It continued: “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.
“Our focus is now on helping pupils and staff cope with this shocking news and we have called in specialist support from Lancashire County Council to help us do that.
“We are a tight-knit school and wider community and will give each other the support that we need at this difficult time.”
The schoolgirl had been at the concert with her mother, Lisa Roussos, and sister, Ashlee Bromwich, in her 20s, from Leyland, Lancashire.
They are both now in separate hospitals being treated for injuries, friends said.
Before confirmation of Saffie’s death, they posted a Facebook appeal for information about her whereabouts
