Huge crowds gather in Chesterfield to pay respects to Manchester bomb victims

People fell silent for one minute outside the Town Hall on Thursday (May 25) to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the barbaric attack at Manchester Arena.

One of those who attended the minute’s silence, Robert Taylor, 78, of Brimington Common, Brimington, said: “I came here today specially to pay my respects. It was important to come here today.

“How a human being can do it to another human being is baffling. I cannot understand it.

“I heard it on the radio the next day and I was in shock. You do not expect it. I have grandchildren who go to these pop concerts.

“People came together in Manchester. They are very friendly people.

“There have been some wonderful acts of kindness.”

The Union flag on the Town Hall was lowered and continued to fly at half-mast for the rest of Thursday.

A book of condolence was also opened at the Customer Service Centre.

A minute of silence was also held at other venues across Chesterfield including the Market Hall, Customer Service Centre, Queen’s Park Sports Centre, the Healthy Living Centre, On the Move, Pavements Shopping Centre, Chesterfield Theatres, Visitor Information Centre and Stonegravels depot.

Another resident who attended the Town Hall to pay his respects, David Hopkinson, 55, of Park Road, Chesterfield, said: “I have had to come here today.

“I want to do more. I want to help all these families that have lost children. I cannot image what they are going through.”