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Half-mast

Old Trafford flags at half-mast as Manchester United ask Uefa for permission to wear black armbands for Europa League final against Ajax after horrific terror attack at Ariana Grande concert

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OLD TRAFFORD'S flags flew at half-mast on Tuesday morning in the wake of the horrific terror attack in Manchester on Monday night.

At least 22 people including children have died and 59 further injured after a male suicide bomber targeted an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

 Old Trafford flew its flags at half-mast on Tuesday morning
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Old Trafford flew its flags at half-mast on Tuesday morningCredit: Getty Images

Both Manchester United and Manchester City have paid tribute to the victims and their families, while Old Trafford paid its respects by flying their flags at half-mast.


Keep up to date with all the latest news and updates from the Manchester terror attack 2017.


United have also asked Uefa for permission to don black armbands for the Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday night.

The Premier League side recently wore armbands for the victims of fans who died in Calabar, Nigeria after an electric cable fell on supporters in a bar.

Anti-terror cops have now thrown an impenetrable ring of steel around United’s clash at the Friends Arena in Sweden amid heightened fears of an attack.

 Old Trafford's flag was at half-mast after the horrific terror attack on Monday night
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Old Trafford's flag was at half-mast after the horrific terror attack on Monday nightCredit: Reuters
 Flags have been lowered to half-mast in Downing Street today in honour of the victims of the Manchester bombing
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Flags have been lowered to half-mast in Downing Street today in honour of the victims of the Manchester bombing
 The Friends Arena in Stockholm is now being surrounded by a Ring of Steel
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The Friends Arena in Stockholm is now being surrounded by a Ring of SteelCredit: Getty Images
 Man United have asked Uefa for permission to wear black armbands for the Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday night
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Man United have asked Uefa for permission to wear black armbands for the Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty Images

Jose Mourinho‘s stars are being protected around the clock by gun cops as they prepare to take on Ajax.

But the mood among travelling fans was sombre in the wake of an attack which injured dozens and cast a shadow over the city.

A heavy police presence has dominated Stockholm since Monday, with police helicopters circling the skies and armoured cars patrolling the streets.

 Security at Sweden's airport has also been greatly increased following the attack
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Security at Sweden's airport has also been greatly increased following the attackCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Medics treating the victims of the Manchester terror attack have this morning made a plea for blood donors to come forward
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Medics treating the victims of the Manchester terror attack have this morning made a plea for blood donors to come forwardCredit: London News Pictures
 Greater Manchester Police alone has 400 extra officers working on the investigation
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Greater Manchester Police alone has 400 extra officers working on the investigationCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Uefa themselves have released a statement ahead of the game on the back of Monday night's horrendous event.

The statement read: "There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the Uefa Europa League final activities in Stockholm may be target of attacks.

“Uefa has been closely working with local authorities and the Swedish FA for many months and the terrorist risk has been taken into account since the very beginning of the project.

 Emergency services rushed to the Manchester Arena last night to tend to the injured
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Emergency services rushed to the Manchester Arena last night to tend to the injuredCredit: PA:Press Association
 Casualties are carried out of the arena in Manchester this evening as the hospital declared a state of emergency
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Casualties are carried out of the arena in Manchester this evening as the hospital declared a state of emergencyCredit: iCelebTV

“Furthermore, a number of addition securing measures were implemented following the attacks in Stockholm last April.

“Due to tight security arrangements, Uefa urges fans to arrive at the stadium as early as possible, as detailed checks will be made at the entrances, resulting in potential delays in accessing the stadium.”


Keep up to date with all the build-up to Ajax vs Manchester United in the Europa League final with our LIVE blog


Meanwhile, a Man United spokesman said: “We are reviewing our security plans and have been working through the night.

"Meetings will take place today to decide how to proceed.”

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