A Cheshire student who has been missing since the horrific terror attack in Manchester on Monday night has died, her headteacher has confirmed.
Nell Jones, 14, died at the scene of the attack at the Manchester Arena.
Today devastated staff and pupils at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School are trying to come to terms with their loss.
A statement posted on the school's website said: "It is with great sadness that we reflect on the loss of Nell Jones from our school community.
"It has now been confirmed that Nell lost her life in the Manchester bombing on Monday evening.
"Nell’s family have been searching for her since the incident in the hope that they would find her being cared for in hospital. Unfortunately, the police have now confirmed that Nell died at the scene.
"We have now informed the whole of the school community through assemblies in which the students and their teachers reflected together on memories of Nell and shared their grief together.
"We are all devastated by the loss and as a school community we must now come to terms with what has happened"
Nell was a very bright and popular student at the school.
Her form tutor David Wheeler said: “Nell was a very popular girl, always smiling, always positive. Her tutor group have been together since the transition from primary school. It feels like they have lost a sister not a classmate.”
Headteacher Denis Oliver said: "Over the coming days we will give everyone ample opportunity to pass on their memories of Nell.
"In the meantime we will be providing professional support to children, staff and parents as necessary.
"The wellbeing of all of the children within our close school community is now our number one priority.
"I have met with Mr and Mrs Jones this morning and offered our sincere condolences on behalf of everyone at our school.
"I cannot imagine the loss they must feel."
Another of the school's students who was seriously injured in the attack is recovering in hospital following a 10 and a half hour operation.
The family of Freya Lewis have thanked everyone for the support they have received.
Freya’s dad, Nick Lewis, said: “Our situation is impossible to describe, but the amazing support that everyone has shown us has been breathtaking.
"After 10 and a half hours in surgery she is stable. The staff at the hospital have been incredible. Freya has been sewn, bolted, drilled and bandaged back together.
"It is going to be a long climb but we are on the first step.
"We really know how much you all care. Our priority now is to concentrate on our children and to make sense of what has happened.
"We have some very personal conversations to have with people we had never met until what seems just a few hours ago and 'thank you!' feels so inadequate.
"We are working closely with Freya’s school and are therefore asking for everyone to please respect our privacy as a family.”
