A NUMBER of children from schools accross Northwich were present during the terror attack in Manchester on Monday, it has been confirmed.

As the Guardian went to press, it was confirmed that 22 people had died – including 14-year-old Nell Jones from Holmes Chapel – and many more were injured after an explosion went off at Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert.

The explosion occurred just after 10.30pm as concert goers, many of whom were children, were leaving the arena.

The suicide bomber has been named as Salman Abedi, 22. At the time of going to press a total of four men have been arrested as part of the inquiry.

Northwich residents gave their support in the immediate aftermath of the attack, with some offering lifts back to mid Cheshire for those stranded at the gig.

A number of children from Northwich attended the event.

David Charlton, headteacher for Weaverham High School, said four pupils all returned safely.

He said: “One pupil had to pass through the area where there were a number of badly injured people and obviously that was upsetting for her.

“We are helping to support the pupils through this difficult period.

“We are relieved that all the Weaverham High School pupils who attended the concert at the Manchester Arena were unharmed and returned safely.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families and schools who have lost members in this explosion.”

Hartford CE High School also confirmed pupils from the school attended the gig.

A school spokesman said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of those people affected by the events on Monday evening.

“We are aware of all the students at Hartford CE High School who attended the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena and will ensure we provide appropriate support.”

A spokesman for St Nicholas Catholic High School confirmed children were in attendance and are all unharmed.

Sir John Deane’s College also confirmed there were a number of students present.

A spokesman said: “Some of our students were present at the concert on Monday night but thankfully they were not injured.

“Their families are all receiving support from the college. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.”

Cllr Brian Clarke, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, condemned the attack.

He said: “I’m a Manchester lad myself and I’m absolutely devastated. I feel so sorry for all the families affected by it.

"It beggars belief how someone can do that to children.

“It could have been any one of us. We all go into Manchester from the Winsford and Cheshire area for concerts and events.

“It’s totally disgusting.”

Cllr Janet Myerscough-Illidge, mayor of Northwich, called for unity in response to the attack.

She said: “This is a dreadful thing to happen and we must all pull together at times like these. My heart goes out to all those affected by this atrocity.”

Following the incident, Cheshire Community Foundation set up a fund to help the victims and their families.

To donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/events/ccfmanchesterarenaattack/441117