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Manchester Arena attack victim's memorial bench destroyed in Sheffield

Brewster family Kelly BrewsterBrewster family
Kelly Brewster was a "fun-loving larger than life" character with an "infectious zest for life", her family told a public inquiry last year

A memorial bench dedicated to a Manchester Arena bomb victim has been destroyed in an arson attack.

The seat, in memory of Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, was torched on Saturday evening in the city, the fire service said.

Ms Brewster, 32, was among 22 people killed in the 2017 suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert.

Councillor Ben Miskell, who represents the Arbourthorne area where the bench was located, said he was "outraged".

"I felt angry that people would have the audacity to burn a bench that meant so much to people in our community," he added.

The fire, which spread to a nearby community centre, was reported to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service shortly after 17:30 GMT on Saturday.

Three crews tackled the flames for an hour.

South Yorkshire Police said it was investigating the incident and appealed for information.

Fire crews tackled the blaze, which spread to a nearby building, for an hour

Mr Miskell said those behind the attack "should be ashamed of themselves".

He added: "Not only have they destroyed a bench dedicated to a young woman who tragically lost her life in a terror attack, but they have also caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a well-loved community building."

Ben Miskell Ben MiskellBen Miskell
Councillor Ben Miskell said there were "no remnants of the bench whatsoever"

He said he believed the arson was "perhaps linked to some of the anti-social behaviour we've seen over the last few weeks and months" in the area and ideas had been floated to get a replacement bench.

"There've been lots of offers of help from residents to buy a new bench and people saying they'll reach into their pockets and contribute to that themselves, which is absolutely wonderful."

PC Leigh Jenkinson, of South Yorkshire Police, described the attack as a "mindless act of vandalism".

"At this time we do not believe this to be a deliberate targeted act of damage to the bench, but nevertheless this has been extremely upsetting for the family and we want to ensure those responsible are found," the officer added.

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