Manchester bombing: Mum fights for life unaware eight-year-old Saffie is dead

The mum of eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos - the youngest confirmed victim of the Manchester terror attack - doesn't know her daughter is dead.

Saffie was at the Ariana Grande concert with her older sister Ashee Bromwich, in her 20s, and her mum Lisa Roussos, who are both in hospital - her mum reportedly fighting for her life in a coma.

Saffie Rose Roussos, 8, was killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack. Her mother doesn't know her daughter is dead yet. Photo: AP
Saffie Rose Roussos, 8, was killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack. Her mother doesn't know her daughter is dead yet. Photo: AP

A desperate search was launched online to find Saffie after she was separated in the carnage from Ms Bromwich and Ms Roussos.

Neighbour and friend of the family, Salman Patel, told the Daily Mail the heartbreaking news that Lisa has no idea her daughter is dead.

"Saffie's sadly passed away and her mother, we understand, isn't aware. I'm praying for the family, it is totally heartbreaking."


Mr Patel also revealed the youngster’s father had no idea of the terror attack as he arrived at The Manchester Arena to pick up his family.

“He went to pick them up and arrived to find his wife in a critical condition, his elder daughter injured and his younger daughter lost," he said.

“I thought he meant lost in the crowd but heartbreakingly he meant lost forever, as in the end.

“I am praying the mum pulls through and copes with the tragedy of finding out when she does about her daughter.”

British-born Salman Abedi, 22, has been named as the man behind the detonation of the nail bomb that tragically killed 22 people and left 59 injured.

Manchester bombing suspect Salman Abedi, 22. Source: The Sun
Manchester bombing suspect Salman Abedi, 22. Source: The Sun

In a statement, the little girl’s head teacher Chris Upton said the news was “heartbreaking”.

“News of Saffie’s death in this appalling attack has come as a tremendous shock to all of us and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends," he said.

“The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking. Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl, in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly."

Saffie’s parents are believed to run a fish and chip shop in Leyland, Lancs.

More people confirmed dead

John Atkinson, 26

John Atkinson is being remembered as an
John Atkinson is being remembered as an

Tributes have flown in for Mr Atkinson, with many remembering him as an "amazing" man.

“Truly devastated for them all. What an amazing lovely man he was and blessed to have known him.xxx," one friend wrote.

"You may of broke our heart but you're never break our spirit r.i.p. Manchester and my heart goes out to John and the Atkinson Family & friends," another said.

"Rip John Atkinson. Thoughts and prayers to your family. What a mad, sad world," another friend posted.

It's understood Mr Atkinson lived in Manchester.

His family have since started an online campaign to raise money for his funeral saying the "one in a million" man deserves a proper send off.

They've raised almost £4,000 ($AU 6934) so far.

Georgina Callander, 18

Days earlier Georgina had shared her excitement for the concert. Photo: Yahoo UK
Days earlier Georgina had shared her excitement for the concert. Photo: Yahoo UK

The first vitim names after the attack, Ms Callander was considered a huge Ariana Grande fan.

She tweeted the pop star before her concert saying "SO EXCITED TO SEE U TOMORROW".

The teen died in hospital with her mother by her bedside.

She's been described by friends as a girl "who lit up the room".