Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Manchester Sikh temples offer food and shelter to people affected by terror attack

Sikh community opens its doors to victims in solidarity, along with local homeowners, hotels and venues

Rachael Pells
Tuesday 23 May 2017 09:51 BST
Comments
Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where Ariana Grande had been performing
Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where Ariana Grande had been performing (REUTERS)

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.

Sikh temples in Manchester are offering shelter to those affected by the deadly terrorist bombing at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday.

The four nearby Gurdwaras - Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara Educational and Cultural Centre, Gurdwara Sri Guru Harkrisham Sahib, Dasmesh Sikh Temple and Central Gurdwara Manchester Gurudwaras – all kept their doors open for victims through the night.

“Sikh Temples in Manchester, UK offering food & accommodation. They are open for ALL people,” said Harjinder Kukreja in a Tweet, posting the address of Sikh temples located in the area.

Many other local people took to Twitter to offer those affected beds for the night, using the hastag #RoomForManchester.

Taxi drivers offered free lifts, and several hotels and venues in the city centre were also reported to be offering space for those stranded in the city centre.

In what was described as the most deadly terror attack the UK has ever faced, at least 22 people were killed after a male suicide bomber targeted music fans at the Manchester Arena.

At least 59 people were also injured in the blast, when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device, shortly after Grande had finished her stage performance.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is an absolutely horrifying incident and our thoughts are with everyone affected, especially those who have lost loved ones or been injured and traumatised.

“If it is confirmed this was a terrorist attack it is a monstrous act but also a deeply futile one.

“Manchester is a proud and strong city and we will not allow those who seek to sow fear and division to achieve their aims.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in