South Shields remembers teenage sweethearts killed in terror attack

Hundreds have gathered in South Shields to remember 19-year-old Liam Curry and 17-year-old Chloe Rutherford. The teenage sweethearts lives were brutally taken in the Manchester Arena terror attack on Monday night.

The couple were said to be "inseparable" during their two years together. In a statement their devastated families said:

The terrible loss of young lives, is why so many gathered for the minute's silence at 11 o'clock in their hometown of South Shields.

Amongst them was Jessica Roff and her family. They've known them both for many years, and supported Liam when he lost his father to cancer earlier this year.

Liam's grandfather also died from cancer, which led him to begin raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Today, the foundation said that Liam was an "outstanding young man" describing how he completed the Coast-to-Coast cycle ride to raise money for their research into cancer.

Chloe, a Newcastle College student was an apprentice at Westoe Travel. Her colleagues remember a kind, fun and loving young woman:

Books of condolence have been opened across the town, including one in the Town Hall.

Churches across South Shields have been opening their doors with candles and messages of support for people of all faiths.

Liam and Chloe were among 22 people killed during the Manchester Arena terror attack. Many more people, including children were left injured.