Tributes have been paid to 'beautiful soul' John Atkinson who has been confirmed as one of 22 people killed in the Manchester terror attack.

John, 26, of Bury, Greater Manchester, was described as an "amazing young man" as heartbroken friends paid tribute to him on social media.

He was killed as an explosion targeted fans, including young children, as they left an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena last night.

Lee Paul posted on Facebook: “Sleep tight John Atkinson. Thoughts and prayers with all your family and the other 21 people who lost there lives last night.”
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Forensics officers conduct an investigation outside Manchester Arena (
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Tracey Crolla wrote: “Thinking of all the Atkinsons at this very sad time John Atkinson you turned into an amazing young man so kind and thoughtful you will be missed by everyone.”

Nana Julie Mills added: “Just heard one of my good friends whom I’ve known since he was a little boy passed away last night. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP John Atkinson.”
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Family and friends paid tribute to a "beautiful son" (
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Taliè Andrèa branded John "a beautiful soul".

She added: “Heartbroken for the Atkinson family at this sad time never would I imagine this happening so close to home. Rest in paradise John you beautiful soul.”
Georgina Bethany Callander, 18, met Ariana Grande two years ago (
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Saffie Rose Roussos, 8, attended the concert with her sister (
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Ariana Grande fans Georgina Bethany Callander, 18, and eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos were the first victims to be named earlier today.

Callander was in the second year of a Health and Social Care course at Runshaw College in Lancashire and was an Ariana Grande superfan.

She met the singer two years ago during a performance at the same arena.

Roussous went to the concert with her older sister.

She had not been seen since the attack and her parents released her picture in a desperate plea for help, but it later emerged that she had died.
Concert-goers flee in terror after an explosion hit outside the arena (
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PA)
A young fan is comforted following the attack (
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Armed police respond to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena (
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Police confirmed today they have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the investigation.

At least two properties have been raided by heavily-armed officers.

The attack killed 22 people and also left the suicide bomber dead. Around 60 other people were injured.
Police arrest a man in Chorlton as part of the investigation (
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A heavily-armed police officer at a raid in Fallowfield (
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Prime Minister Theresa May said intelligence chiefs and police believe they know the bomber's identity.

That bomber's home was believed to be one of the properties raided this morning in south Manchester.