Manchester attack: £30k raised for homeless man who helped children following bombing

Stephen Jones said he pulled nails from the faces of injured children
ITV News

Around £30,000 has been raised for a heroic homeless man who helped the gravely injured victims in the aftermath of the Manchester attack.

Stephen Jones, 35, said he pulled nails out of the faces of children injured when suicide bomber Salam Abedi set off a bomb as revellers left a pop concert at the Manchester Arena.

He was sleeping when the bomb exploded and killed 22 people.

Many people were left inspired by his bravery when he appeared on television to speak of the experience, and one man has since set up a fundraising page.

By 10am it had raised almost £30,000.

Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures

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Graham Seddon, who set up the page, posted: “He spoke about pulling nails out of young children' arms and faces, something people should never have to think about, never mind actually do.

“He spoke about helping people because it was the natural and right thing to do. I think it's natural and right that we help him.

“Any money raised will go to help the gentleman back on his feet. I don't normally do this but what I watched was a man who has restored some faith back in humanity.”

Some of the victims of the Manchester bombing

Mr Jones was with a friend outside the Ariana Grande concert at the time of the blast, with both rushing to help the vicitims.

Another rough sleeper, Chris Parker, 33, said he helped youngsters as they fled the scene after the bombing in the foyer at about 10.30pm.

He said he was knocked to the floor by the force of the bomb.

Mr Jones told ITV News: “They needed the help, I’d like to think that someone would come and help me if I needed the help. It’s just instinct.

He added: “Some lady, she got cut from her side, so my mate had to hold her legs up... we just held her legs up because we thought she was just going to bleed right out.

"If I didn't help, I wouldn't be able to live with myself for walking away and leaving kids like that. Just because I'm homeless it doesn't mean that I haven't got a heart and I'm not human still.”

So far, nine people have been named by friends, family and officials as among the victims to be killed in the attack.

More than £779,000 has so far been raised on a Just Giving page, set up by the Manchester Evening News, to help victims.

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