'Defiant' city as Victoria station reopens

MANCHESTER Victoria railway station has reopened to services more than a week after a suicide attack at the Manchester Arena.

The station, which is attached to the Manchester Arena where Salman Abedi wrought death and destruction on the city, was shut to allow a forensic search of the area to take place.

Twenty-two people were killed and dozens injured after the bomber struck after a concert by American singer Ariana Grande.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and transport secretary Chris Grayling were among those to lay wreaths at the station on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Burnham said: "The response has been truly phenomenal from everybody.

"We've seen the best of our people, the best of our public services, the whole place has pulled together and helped everybody through what has been our darkest week.

"You do see the best of people at moments like this and I think that gives us all something to cling on to in what is a very difficult time and remains so.

He added: "What's been extraordinary for me is to see the true character of the place and the people at its most intense way and it's made me so proud actually.

"I want to capture this spirit we have had in the city, this togetherness, and use that to pull communities together to then do a better job of tackling extremism."

The opening of the station, following the lifting of the police cordon, means full timetabled Metrolink and rail services will resume across the network, including the Rochdale and Oldham line.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "This has been an incredibly difficult week for Manchester and everyone affected by the attack. Our thoughts remain very much with the families and friends at this time.

"The reopening of Victoria Station, a major transport hub, is a symbolic moment in the recovery process as the city shows its defiance and resilience by moving forwards. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of the emergency services and railway staff, many of whom were among the first on the scene of last week's devastating events, to return the station to use."

Public transport users are asked to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to staff or the police and to continue visiting the Transport for Greater Manchester web page or by following social media channels for the latest travel information.

For further information about public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.

Liam Sumpter, regional director at Northern, said: "It has been an exceptionally difficult week for the whole of Manchester and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this terrible attack. However, our city is incredibly resilient and everyone has stood side-by-side in an unbelievable way.

"Our team at Victoria are ready to welcome people back to the station and on behalf of Northern, I would like to thank our customers for their understanding over the past seven days."