Manchester attack: Schoolgirl Nell Jones, 14, confirmed dead

Family handout photo of Nell Jones. Picture: SWNS

The 14-year-old attended the Ariana Grande concert with her friend from school, Freya Lewis.

Nell, of Goostrey, Cheshire, was using crutches at the time of the blast due to a ligament injury.

While Freya was pulled from the arena by a couple from Bradford, Phil and Kim Dick, after she “staggered” and “collapsed” into their arms, Nell could not be found.

Manchester arena attack: who were the victims?

Her family travelled to Manchester to search for her to no avail.

The pop fan’s school, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, said yesterday (Weds) that police have confirmed Nell was one of 22 to die in the attack.

Headteacher Dennis Oliver said: “It has now been announced in the school that Nell has unfortunately died.

“I have just done six assemblies to tell the pupils. Children are all over the place crying. We are all devastated.

“The heart wrenches for me and everyone else.”

Nick Lewis, the dad of Nell’s friend Freya, said: “Our situation is impossible to describe but the amazing support that everyone has shown us has been breathtaking.

“After ten and a half hours in surgery she is stable. The staff at the hospital have been incredible.

“Freya has been sewn, bolted, drilled and bandaged back together. It is going to be a long climb but we are on the first step. We really know how much you all care.

“Our priority now is to concentrate on our children and to make sense of what has happened.

“We have some very personal conversations to have with people we had never met until what seems just a few hours ago and thank you feels so inadequate.

“We are working closely with the Freya’s school and are therefore asking for everyone to please respect our privacy as a family.”