Ariana Grande to be made honorary citizen of Manchester

Ariana Grande is to become an honorary citizen of Manchester after organising a concert to raise funds for victims of the city's terror attack. Picture: PA

Twenty-two people, including seven children, died when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device as concert-goers began leaving a show by the US singer at Manchester Arena on May 22.

The 23-year-old is to be recognised for her efforts in organising the One Love charity concert at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, which featured Coldplay Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.

Manchester City Council is looking to recognise those who have made contributions to the city.

Council leader Sir Richard Leese told the BBC: “This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognise those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city.

“We’ve all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May - with love and courage rather than hatred and fear.”

Abedi, 22, carried a rucksack packed with a “massive number” of small metal objects which “flew through the air at high velocity in all directions” when detonated in the foyer of the arena at the end of Grande’s concert.

Nineteen of the concert-goers died at the scene while three - including the youngest victim aged eight - were rushed to hospital, but pronounced dead shortly afterwards, inquests were told earlier this month.