Manchester locals are using #RoomForManchester to offer shelter to those stranded by concert blast

Sometimes when tragedy strikes, hope prevails.

Local residents in Manchester, England have stepped forward to render help after a horrific explosion killed at least 19 people and injured over 50 at Manchester Arena.

US singer Ariana Grande had performed her concert there.

While initial reports were vague, British officials are currently treating it as a terrorist attack.

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British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attack as 'appalling'.

Hundreds of concert-goers, many of whom are young children, were left stranded in Manchester due to trains being halted.

However, Manchester residents took to Twitter with the hashtag #RoomForManchester to offer help and it started trending.

[embed]https://twitter.com/ranvir01/status/866794746743803904[/embed]

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Several tweeted that they were willing to offer their spare rooms, beds, couches and more for anyone affected by the blast.

Some also offered free taxi rides for people who needed to get home or to their hotels.

Others also offered phone chargers for those with a flat phone battery so they could get in touch with family to let them know of their whereabouts.

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One concert goer, Riley Blackery, had lost sight of her friend and tweeted a photo of them together, seeking help from anyone who might have seen her. 

Thanks to the wonders of social media, a fellow netizen on Twitter replied to say that her friend had been found and was safe at a hotel.

[embed]https://twitter.com/wtvrkatelyn/status/866804413255622656[/embed]

Many hotels were also opening up free rooms for stranded survivors, according to several tweets.

There were also unconfirmed reports that a Holiday Inn Express located near the concert arena had taken in over 50 children following the attack.

[embed]https://twitter.com/BrookeLVincent/status/866804803061600256[/embed]

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The attack took place after Grande's performance as crowds were exiting the 21,000-capacity stadium just north of downtown Manchester.

A spokesperson announced that the 23-year-old singer is doing 'okay'.

[embed]https://twitter.com/Charlhattonnx/status/866794139735793664[/embed]

Grande has also tweeted about the tragedy.

[embed]https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/866849021519966208[/embed]

This might have been the latest terrorist attack that could potentially divide people - but humanity stamped its foot again. Kudos to the heroes who rushed to aid those in need.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg