REVEALED: Theresa May's handwritten tribute hails 'unbreakable spirit' of Manchester
THERESA May’s heartfelt handwritten note to the victims, casualties and those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing has been revealed.
Theresa May signed the book of condolences for victims of the attack
Writing in the city’s book of condolences, the Prime Minister hailed the “inspirational bravery” of the emergency services and the “unbreakable spirit” of Mancunians.
She also used her message to reaffirm her position in the fight against terrorism, insisting that Britain will “prevail” and “terrorism will never win”.
He used to show me the face of hate and I could tell this person does not like me
Her entire message read: “Here in this great city, a callous and cowardly act was met by the inspirational bravery of our emergency services and the unbreakable spirit of the people of Manchester.
“As we remember those who died, their loved ones and those who were injured, we will celebrate those who helped, safe in the knowledge that terrorism never wins and our values, our country and our way of life will prevail.”
During her visit to Manchester Town Hall, Mrs May also took the time to read other tributes left for the victims.
Theresa May leaves Downing Street to go to Manchester
In order to establish further details of the attack, she subsequently spoke to Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins.
Her emotional message came hours before the suicide bomber, who killed 22 people in Manchester arena, was named as Salman Abedi.
Theresa May read other tributes after she penned her emotional message
Theresa May initiated Britain's fight against terror in her touching tribute
Theresa May walking with Amber Rudd and Manchester's Chief Constable Ian Hopkins
Abedi, 22, was reportedly known to the security services and is thought to have returned from Libya as recently as this week, the Telegraph reports.
At Abedi’s local mosque, the imam Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti, said he always knew the 22-year-old was a dangerous terrorist.
Imam El-Saeiti said: “Salman showed me the face of hate after my speech on ISIS.
“He used to show me the face of hate and I could tell this person does not like me. It’s not a surprise to me.”
After her second COBRA meeting yesterday, Mrs May announced her plans to deploy up to 5,000 armed troops at key strategic sites.