The Manchester Evening News is urging other newspapers to join in its fund-raising bid for victims of Monday’s terror attacks in the city after its appeal topped £1m.

As previously reported by HTFP, the city daily launched a JustGiving page yesterday with the initial aim of raising £250,000 to help families of those killed and injured in the Manchester Arena attack.

The appeal has now far exceeded that original target and had topped £1m by Wednesday lunchtime.

Now the paper is seeking the support of other newspapers, websites and media to call on their readers to support the appeal.

MEN editor in chief Rob Irvine said: “The response of the public in Greater Manchester and across the country has been amazing. So many people want to help.

“We have also been moved by the number of papers and websites who have rallied round Manchester, with messages of support on newspaper front pages and website home pages.

“We would be so pleased if our fellow journalists could ask their readers to help the appeal. The Red Cross will make sure the support gets quickly to the families affected.

“Many of the victims of the attack came from across the UK and they can all be supported.”

More than 32,000 people have so far made donations to the MEN’s “We Stand Together” fundraising page with pledges of money from organisations including Morrisons and the Co-Op.

The money raised by the Manchester Evening News and its readers will be administered by the British Red Cross, who are offering support to affected families.

A total of 22 people were killed in the suicide bomb attack at the end of a concert at the Manchester Arena. Some 59 people were wounded, 20 of them suffering critical injuries.

Donations can be made on the Just Giving web page here.