Olivia Campbell, missing in the Manchester attack. (Facebook)
Relatives and other loved ones turned to social media to desperately seek information about young people missing after the Manchester explosion.
It was an all too familiar sight after a tragedy: The faces of young people, missing, plastered across social media.
Among those seeking a loved one: Charlotte Campbell, a mother, who went on CNN seeking information about her 15-year-old daughter, Olivia Campbell, who attended the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester with a friend, Adam Lawler. Neither had been seen since the blast erupted, killing 22 people and injured more than 100.
Reports later emerged that Lawler had been found in the hospital, but Olivia was still missing hours after the explosion. However, her mother on May 23 tragically confirmed on Facebook that Olivia was killed in the attack.
Authorities suspect a terrorist attack perpetrated by a suicide bomber whose body was recovered at the scene.
Panicking at Victoria Station after @ArianaGrande concert. Hope everyone is all safe and well.
“It’s the most horrible feeling ever. To know that your daughter’s there, and you can’t find her, and you don’t know if she’s dead or alive,” Charlotte said on CNN, amidst tears. “I don’t know how people can do this to innocent children.”
A friend wrote on Facebook, “If any of Olivia Campbell friends hear from her please contact me or Charlotte Campbell she was at the concert in Manchester and we cant get in touch with her thanks.”
Another missing person whose photo circulated on social media: A young man named Martyn Hett. Loved ones put out his photo on Twitter.
My friend @martynhett on the right was at the Ariana concert and hasn’t been in touch. Please has anyone seen him?
Martyn’s brother said he hadn’t contacted family since the concert. Tragically, on May 24, it was reported that Martyn, too, was killed.
Complete strangers repeatedly checked social media for updates on the missing people, hoping they would turn out to be OK.
@YoursAlwaysHaz @_maddisonallen I keep checking here and for @martynhett for good news. I hope the families families and friends will know something soon.
Some used the hashtag #FindMartyn.
@thedeanlife @martynhett I hope he is found im shocked he is still missing #FindMartyn
Loved ones were also seeking Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry after the blast. The Manchester Evening News reported on May 24 that they were still missing.
Please if anyone has information on the whereabouts of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry contact 07920405015 staceylghent #Manchester
People shared photos of the pair on Twitter.
@SarahMillican75 Chloe Rutherford 17, and boyfriend Liam Curry 19, from #southshields are still missing after #manchesterexplosion. Please RT
Alaya Ryan was another young woman who was reported missing by loved ones on Twitter. There was good news in this case. She was found safe.
The hashtag #HelpFindSophie circulated on Twitter to find a missing girl with that name.
Then, the sighs of relief, as Sophie was also located safe.
One Australian news site reported that “lost children were found sheltering at local homes and businesses after losing their mobile phones.” Unaccompanied children were also taken to a nearby Holiday Inn.
This article will be updated as more information about the Manchester missing is known.
Learn more about the attack in Manchester here:
