BURY taxi firm, Elton Bullitt, joined those displaying the best of Manchester's famous community spirit last night.

When they heard about the explosion at the Manchester Arena they put out on Twitter and Facebook they were offering free journeys back to Bury. 

Several other acts of kindness including other firms offering free lifts and people from across Manchester offering help were reported overnight. 

Pauline Leckie, a manager at Elton Bullitt, said: "It was difficult stuff last night, we take a lot of passengers to and from Manchester and the arena. 

"It hit us all quite badly and we realised with the Metro not being on there was going to be a lot of people stranded. 

"We just wanted to make sure people could get back okay if we could help in any way."

Mrs Leckie said a total of 13 cars made the trip over the Manchester to help people get home from 11.30pm onwards.

She said they despatched cars to the city centre as quick as they could and said most of the picks ups were from near Strangeways Prison, a short walk from the Manchester Arena, along Bury New Road. 

She added: "It's devastating beyond belief.

"We all need to support each other and come together in times like this."

Shortly before 10.33pm last night what is believed to be a home made explosive device was detonated as people left Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert. 

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed 22 people have died in the terrorist attack and 59 people are being treated with injuries. 

A 15-year-old from Bury, Olivia Campbell, is missing and her family are desperately seeking news of her whereabouts. 

Her friend, Adam Lawler, who attended the concert with her is understood to be in hospital with his family in a critical condition.