A fundraising page set up by the Manchester Evening News in aid of the victims of Monday’s terror attacks in the city has topped £1m in a little over 24 hours.

The newspaper launched a JustGiving page yesterday with the aim of raising £250,000 to help families of those killed and injured in the Manchester Arena attack.

The initial target was target was reached within a matter of hours and eventually quadrupled to £1m – but this figure too has now been passed.

At the last count, the crowdfunding drive had raised £1,078,855 from more than 34,200 different donors – demonstrating not just the resilience of the local community but also the power of the local press.

Rob Irvine, editor in chief of the MEN, said, “Our readers were asking how they could help, so we set up a Just Giving page.

“Their generosity has been unbelievable, and what we’re seeing is the people of Manchester pulling together to support one another at this difficult time.

“The funds will be used to help support the families in the aftermath of the attack, and we will continue to collect donations through the page.”

To donate to the fund, click here.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that 22 people, some of them children, died in the suicide bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at the Arena.

Police have named the bomber as 22-year-old Salman Abedi and have also detained a 23-year-old man in the south of the city in connection with the attack.

So-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for what Prime Minister Theresa May has described as an “absolutely callous” attack.

Speaking in Downing Street after chairing an emergency Cobra meeting, Mrs May said:“This attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.”