Tears amid tributes as the bereaved families 'showed the world who died' in the Manchester Arena bombing

hereMrs Merchant said: "Even though I wasn't suspicious of him, ie, worse case scenario he was going to be a bomber, what I was suspicious of was that he had secreted himself away."In that way it was a security issue. But I wasn't aware of any feelings of 'oh my God he could be a terrorist'.

the public inquiry into the atrocity heard.William Drysdale, who was working at the Arena on the night as part of an anti-bootlegging operation, said he saw a man with 'olive coloured skin' and a 'large backpack' on a mezzanine level above the City Room area.Mr Drysdale told the inquiry the man was 'kneeling down, moving'.“He was kneeling down, going forward to the floor and then raising himself back up again, still being on his knees," he said.Mr Drysdale said the man had ‘a big pack on his

semi-final show.

Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden were left in tears during Saturday night's semi-final after Manchester pianist Jon Courtenay performed.

here"Every decision we take we ask what Alison would do, what would mum do? It is never going to get any easier."I cannot believe there is anybody I have ever met that was as caring and well-liked. "She really was fantastic inside and out.

herePen portraits from the families and friends of the deceased, and moving personal evidence about them, are continuing to be heard and shown to the inquiry.Harriet, Lily and Isabelle added in the statement: "Our house was always full of love and laughter."You would pull the oldest tricks in the book to get us laughing."You never failed to make us smile."They spoke of Jane's 'random, spontaneous ideas'.She loved to cook, they said, and referenced her homemade Yorkshire puddings and salt and

hereMum Charlotte said Olivia loved 'rough and tumble' with the boys as a youngster.She recalled holidays and how on one trip, Olivia entered a dance competition.It fuelled her passion for music, the inquiry heard."She always said she hated being the centre of attention, but I could see how much she enjoyed herself - that insight into limelight," Charlotte said.Olivia joined a choir and was loving school, she added."Ollie's favourite colour was blue so she decided that everything had to be

a curfew would be the 'nail in the coffin' for Manchester pubs.

here"The thought of the years ahead without her in our lives is truly unbearable and I have no words to describe the pain and grief that we feel each day."But those 14 wonderful years that we all shared together, and the memories we made, were truly special."Nell was a pupil at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School.Tribute statements from her teachers - and friends - were read out.One of Nell's drama teachers said: "She stood out as a star right from the start."And a friend told the inquiry: "She

A 10pm curfew would be the 'nail in the coffin' for pubs and bars in Greater Manchester, operators have warned.Hospitality businesses are bracing for the opening time limit to be introduced across the region, as similar restrictions come into force elsewhere in England.As well as being a further blow to already financially stricken sector, industry leaders fear it will only shift the problem elsewhere, leading to more day drinking, house parties and large crowds leaving venues at the same

hereShe was kind and loving and made every she spoke to 'feel special'm they said.Friends, teachers and her head Halewood Academy paid tribute.Principal Gary Evans said his main memory of Megan was her smile.She and her friends 'were a lovely group of students'."Whenever I saw Megan around the school she would say 'hi' and you would see that smile," he said.He said he had no doubt she would go on to success in the future.The 'atrocity really affected me', Mr Evans said, adding that her friends