Parents of Manchester Arena attack victim return to venue

The heartbroken parents of a Manchester Arena terror attack victim made an emotional return to the venue as it opened its doors for the first time since it was targeted by a suicide bomber.

Olivia Campbell, 15, of Bury, was one of 22 innocent people killed when Salman Abedi detonated an explosive device as concertgoers were leaving an Ariana Grande concert in May.

On Saturday night the arena re-opened for a special benefit concert in aid of the victims.

Olivia’s mother Charlotte (right) and step-father Paul Hodgson (left) made the emotional trip to the Manchester Arena on Saturday as it re-opened for the first time since the attack

And Olivia’s mother Charlotte and step-father Paul Hodgson have made an emotional trip to the arena.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Ms Campbell said: ‘We wanted to come to show defiance. We aren’t scared and no one is going to beat us.

‘Manchester has proved it’s not scared. I’m very nervous but security are doing an amazing job.

‘Olivia is here with us, she is watching over us and she would be here if she could be.’

Ms Campbell, who had feared she would be unable to attend the concert because she did not have a ticket, told how she wanted to return to the place of her daughter’s murder to shown defiance against terrorism.

And she said she felt Olivia but be with her on the night.   

A ring of steel was placed around the Manchester Arena for its re-opening. Armed police (pictured) were on patrol and there was a limit on the size of bag allowed inside

A heightened security operation was put in place with a ‘ring of steel’ placed around the venue and restrictions on the size of bags allowed inside.

Saturday night will see Noel Gallagher headline the We Are Manchester show, alongside acts such as the Courteeners and poet Tony Walsh.

It is the first time the Manchester Arena has opened its doors since Abedi’s attack on May 22.