Armed police patrol town in terror blast aftermath

Armed police have been patrolling Wigan town centre as the country remains on high alert following last night's terror attack in Manchester.
Picture from Dave GreenPicture from Dave Green
Picture from Dave Green

Officers with guns have been seen at various locations across the town including outside The Galleries Shopping Centre and Standishgate Greater Manchester Police deployed its officers in response to the continued “severe” terrorist threat,

Wigan residents took to social media with reports of armed police following thesuicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena, which left 23 people dead and more than 60 injured.

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Teenagers and children were among the fatalities caused by the unnamed suicide bomber, who detonated the device outside the exit gates as people left an Ariana Grande concert.

Police in the streets of Wigan with gunsPolice in the streets of Wigan with guns
Police in the streets of Wigan with guns

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, released a full statement yesterday “This is a fast-moving investigation and we have significant resources deployed to both the investigation and the visible patrols that people will see about Greater Manchester as they wake up to news of the event last night,This will include armed officers as people

would expect.”

More than 400 officers across the region have been involved in the investigation since the initial reports were called in,

The armed police presence has invoked a mixed reaction for people living in or visiting the borough in the aftermath of the attack.

Police in the streets of Wigan with gunsPolice in the streets of Wigan with guns
Police in the streets of Wigan with guns
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Carrie Rayner wrote:”Armed police are now in Wigan, I just want to go and get my kids from school and stay inside my house forever, scared is an understatement for what I'm feeling right now.”

Kirsty Elizabeth added; “Now seeing there’s armed police in our little Wigan town. Although it’s frightening what tragic event happened last night i will not be in hiding.These terrorists are looking to frighten people and if we show were frightened they are going to feel powerful.”

Ronnie Hunter also commented: “Never thought I would. See the day when armed police are on the streets in wigan so sad to see it.”

The search still continues for a number of missing victims.

An appeal was sent out for 16-year-old Lucy Jarvis, from Wigan, who was amongst the missing but has since been found.