Schoolgirl Laura MacIntyre, 15, who lost best friend in Manchester bombing is battling for life, family confirm
A YOUNG girl who lost her best friend in the Manchester terror attack is fighting for her life after the pals attended the doomed Ariana Grande concert together.
Laura MacIntyre, 15, and Eilidh MacLeod, 14, had travelled to the concert from the Outer Hebrides as part of a birthday treat but the night ended in tragedy when a suicide bomber struck, claiming the lives of 22 people, including that of Eilidh.
Laura's family has since confirmed the young girl is fighting for life in hospital, saying: "Our daughter is a funny and witty young girl who excels at everything she does.
"Laura and her Eilidh were so looking forward to the concert, but that night has now ended in tragedy where Eildh has lost her life and Laura is in a critical condition.
"Our hearts and minds have been with Eilidh's family since we heard their news."
The devastated family thanked emergency services for everything they had done, saying: "We know that Laura is in the best possible place and is receiving the best care that she can.
"Laura is strong-willed and a fighter."
Eilidh's heartbroken parents Roddy and Marion had earlier confirmed Eilidh died in the blast.
In a statement, they said: “Our family is devastated and words cannot express how we feel at losing our darling Eilidh.
"Eilidh was vivacious and full of fun. She loved all music whether it was listening to Ariana or playing the bagpipes with her pipe band.
"As a family we would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the support and kind messages we have received at this difficult time."
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in a bid to find her daughter and her school friend.
Marion had travelled with the girls from the Isle of Barra and was due to meet them outside the arena after the concert.
And she revealed the last message she received from Eilidh was a text to say that the singer was playing her final song.
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The mum had desperately scoured hotels and train stations after the explosion but found no sign of the pair.
Both girls’ distraught parents were flown to the city on Tuesday from the Western Isles following the attack.
Nats MP Angus MacNeil had been in touch with the girls’ families to offer his support.
Laura’s dad Michael MacIntyre said previously that the gig at the MEN Arena was his daughter’s first ever concert.
He said: “It was Eilidh’s birthday present and the two of them are big fans of Ariana Grande.
“Laura was so happy to be going down there with her friend.
“It was Laura’s first concert. I was a bit hesitant about her going to a concert so far away but she seemed so happy.
“I’m waiting by the phone all day in case I hear any news.”
In a desperate bid to trace his daughter, he also tweeted: “Please…please retweet. Looking for my daughter and her friend. Laura Macintyre and Eilidh Macleod #manchesterattack”."
Laura suffered serious burns in the attack and her family are holding a bedside vigil as she recovers from her injuries.
It has also been confirmed that teen couple Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, were killed in the terror attack at the Manchester Arena.