A MUSLIM group has set up a JustGiving page to raise £100,000 to support the families of the victims of the cowardly attack at a pop concert in Manchester last night.

A total of 22 people, including many children, were killed and 59 injured in the suicide bomb blast at the Ariana Grande gig at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

Now MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) is calling on Muslims and all communities to come together to raise funds for those caught up in the mindless atrocity.

A statement of the group's website states: "Our thoughts and prayers are firstly with those who have lost loved ones and whose family members have been injured or are missing following this attack.

"Manchester is a very strong community and will grieve this tragic loss together. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured.

"We applaud the actions of the emergency services and selfless acts of courage, humanity and the kindness of ordinary people assisting those in need throughout the night.

"We deplore and condemn this attack which police are currently treating as a terrorist incident.

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

Here is what we know so far about the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena that targeted young concert-goers

• A total of 22 people, including many children, have been killed and 59 injured in the blast.
• The attack was carried out by a lone male suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device. He died at the arena.
• He has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi.
• Security services are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a network.
• A 23-year-old has been arrested in South Manchester in connection with the incident.
• Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
• The first victim has been named as college student Georgina Callander. Eight-year-old schoolgirl Saffie Roussos was also killed.
• Speaking after chairing a Cobra meeting on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Theresa May said the "callous" attack was "among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom".
• A vigil will be held at 6pm on Tuesday in Albert Square, Manchester.
• The explosion took place at Manchester Arena as people began streaming from the doors after a show by American singer Ariana Grande.
• The injured – including 12 under the age of 16 – were being treated at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said.
• A controlled explosion was carried out at an address in Fallowfield this afternoon as part of the investigation.

"Regardless of the background or motivation of the perpetrator, we should not allow this to divide our great city which is home to people from different religions, ethnicities and backgrounds, and we should remain vigilant against reprisal attacks."

MEND added that it will appoint a leading local law or accountancy firm to administer and distribute all funds.

Click here to donate.

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