Scottish family in appeal for teens missing after Manchester terror attack

23 May 2017, 10:04 | Updated: 23 May 2017, 10:07

The families of two girls from the Western Isles missing after attending the concert in Manchester targeted in a terror attack have issued appeals on social media.

Laura MacIntyre and Eilidh MacLeod, from Barra, were at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night in Manchester Arena where an explosion left 22 dead and at least 59 injured.

Family members said the girls had not been heard from since the explosion.

Laura's father Michael MacIntyre posted an appeal on Twitter, saying: "Please ... please reetweet.

"Looking for my daughter and her friend. Laura Macintyre and Eilidh Macleod #manchesterattack.''

Eilidh's aunt Margaret MacNeil wrote on Facebook: "Please please please share!

"My niece and her friend were at the Ariana Grande concert tonight and there has been no contact since the explosion.

"Please let us find the girls safe and well. They are Eilidh MacLeod and Laura MacIntyre.''

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil was among tens of thousands who shared the appeal and said he was "very worried'' about the missing girls.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is holding a meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience Committee on Monday morning.

She said: "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.

"The Scottish Government is working with Police Scotland and the UK Government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.

"I will convene a meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience Committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland.''

Election campaigning across Scotland has been suspended and flags at the Scottish Parliament are flying at half-mast.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: "My thoughts and those of everyone at Police Scotland are with those who have lost loved ones or who were injured in the attack in Manchester.

"As part of the UK-wide response to these events, Police Scotland continues to review all safety and security plans and operations.

"This includes ensuring our armed policing and specialist resources are appropriately deployed.

"People will therefore see armed police on patrol at transport hubs and crowded places.

"There is no intelligence to suggest there is any threat to Scotland but I would ask the public to remain alert and report anything suspicious.

"We continue to liaise with the UK authorities in response to this incident.''

The Church of Scotland's General Assembly held a minute's silence for the victims of the terror attack and has offered prayers for the victims.

Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning Moderator, of the General Assembly, said: ``When the news of this appalling and brutal act in Manchester came to us, most of us will have been stunned.

"That young people and children, with others, could be the subject of what police are now treating as a premeditated act of violence is beyond comprehension.

"There is no cause, political or religious, that justifies actions of senseless brutality, anywhere or at any time.

"Today the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland offers its prayer and deepest concern to all who have been caught up in this action.

"The young people and their families and friends, the emergency and security services, and the people of that great city of Manchester.

"We pray for them and send our sincerest wishes of peace to come in this heart-rending situation.''