HUNDREDS gathered to their respects to a mum-of-three who tragically died in the horrific terror attack. 

Michelle Kiss, 45, from Whalley, was one of the 22 people who died during an explosion at the city centre venue on Monday night.

Candles were lit at the vigil in memory of her life at the gardens by the bus station in Whalley and a book of condolence was opened.

Cllr Terry Hill said: "The turnout was amazing.

"It shows the affect it has had on the community.

"A huge part of that family's life has been ripped away."

Thousands of people, many of them young children, were pouring out of the Ariana Grande concert when the bomb went off.

Police named Salman Abedi as the suicide bomber, while five arrests were made on Wednesday with officers carrying out a controlled explosion at a Manchester city centre flat.

Mrs Kiss, who had been reported missing, was described as a loving wife to Tony and mother to Dylan, Elliot and Millie.

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In a statement released via police, the family, said: “Family was her life and we are all obviously devastated by her loss.

“She has been taken away from us, and all that love her, in the most traumatic way imaginable.

“We hope to draw from the courage and strength she showed in her life to get through this extremely difficult time.”

Mrs Kiss also leaves behind her parents Mick and Christine and sister Nichola.

In a Facebook post ahead of the concert, Mrs Kiss, said: “Excited girlies ready to watch Ariana” along with a picture of two girls.

Following the attack, and unable to locate the mother-of-three, family members issued heartfelt pleas to help find herin the days after the attack.

Dozens of tributes have been left on Facebook.

Her niece Laura Murray said: “It’s true. Thank you everyone for your help. We are all heartbroken.”

While Diana Barton wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken. RIP beautiful Michelle.

“Thoughts to all Michelle’s family and friends.”

Eight-year-old girl Saffie Rose Roussos from Leyland and Runshaw College student Georgina Callander,18, from nearby Croston were named as two of the first victims.

An off-duty police officer also died.

Ian Hopkins, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said his officers have now spoken to all the immediate families of those who died.

However, he added he would not be formally naming the victims until post mortem examinations have been carried out, which could take four or five days.

A number of schoolchildren from across East Lancashire also received hospital treatment following the blast.

A 12-year-old St Augustine’s RC High School student is recovering in hospital following surgery.

Michael Wright, headteacher, said: “We received news that one of our year seven pupils, Emily Murrell, and her mother sustained injuries caused by the explosion at the arena and underwent surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary and Manchester Children’s Hospital.

“Both Emily and her mother are in the recovery units of the hospitals and medical professionals are pleased with the progress they are making as they await further treatment.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most distressing time.”

Mark Jackson, headteacher at Haslingden High School, said most of the 32 students caught up in the incident were back in school.

Three were taken to hospital after the blast and it is understood one remains in hospital.

He said: “It has been very traumatic. We are trying to get back to as much normality as is possible. Most students were back in school today, but some are struggling.”

Richard Cowley, 24, who grew up in Rossendale and lives on the sixth floor of the Manchester city centre building that was raided, described the moment armed officers entered the building.

He said he heard a loud bang at around 12.30pm and then the fire alarm was going off.

He said: “Naturally I packed up and started to head down. As I got to the third floor I ran into 10 armed police officers, one of whom told me to stay back, so I went back into my flat.

“I haven’t tried to get out since because I don’t want to get in anyone’s way but I’m hearing that people have got out OK.”

Meanwhile donations for the victims’ families continue to pour in with more than £1million raised after the Manchester Evening News launched an appeal. Burnley-based fashion retailer Boohoo also donated £100,000 to the fund.