Manchester attack: Wounded parents 'refuse treatment so doctors can work to save children's lives'
Among the 59 casualties taken to hospital after the explosion were 12 children under the age of 16
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Parents of children wounded in the Manchester Arena attack are refusing treatment for their own injuries until they know their sons or daughters are safe, doctors have said.
Among the 59 casualties taken to hospital after the terror attack were 12 children under the age of 16, the local ambulance service confirmed.
Many children are also believed to be among the 22 dead. Eight-year-old schoolgirl Saffie Roussos and 18-year-old Georgina Callander are the first victims to be named.
A doctor working at Manchester Royal Infirmary told Sky News parents were refusing treatment to keep watch on their children in wards.
Jon Rouse, Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, expressed “deep condolences” to the victims and their families.
“It's been a terrible night and morning in terms of Greater Manchester. Although we have also seen some of the best aspects of Greater Manchester and the people who live there as well,” he said.
“Clearly there are a number of individuals who have very, very serious injuries and are requiring intensive care and people who are going to be in hospital for a long time in terms of that treatment.”
Witnesses reported hearing a huge bomb-like bang at around 10.30pm, shortly after a show by US singer Ariana Grande finished, and described glass and metal nuts on the floor.
The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust said a total of 60 NHS ambulances attended the incident.
“The service is devastated by the attack in Manchester last night,” it said in a statement.
“Our staff worked tirelessly throughout the night to coordinate the large scale response with 60 ambulances attending the horrifying scene in the city.”
The statement added: “In total, our clinicians treated and took 59 patients to hospital – 9 to Manchester Royal Infirmary, 6 to Salford, 6 to Wythenshawe, 12 to Manchester Children's, 6 to Stepping Hill, 8 to Royal Bolton, 7 to Royal Oldham and 5 to North Manchester.
“Approximately 60 'walking wounded' were also treated by our crews but did not go to hospital.” It is not known how many children were among these
Hospitals in Manchester said they had enough blood supplies to treat patients including the victims of last night’s arena attack.
Worried locals were urged to make an appointment to give blood at a later date after the city’s blood donation centres were inundated with volunteers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments