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Jason Manford’s family friend has died in Manchester attack

22 people were killed at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening

On Tuesday comedian Jason Manford posted an emotional video on his Facebook as he revealed a family friend, Martyn Hett, was missing after the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Now Martyn’s best friend has announced the heartbreaking news that the Tattoo Fixers star was killed in the awful attack.

The news was announced in a touching statement on Twitter.

Read more: Father of three girls pens open letter to Ariana Grande

He wrote: “We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful martin didn’t survive.

“He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention.

“I’m in a really bad way so please forgive me if I don’t reply.”

He ended the message saying: “Thankfully I have his wonderful family and amazing friends to keep each other strong.

“I love you Martyn. I always will. X.”

Jason, 35, has not yet spoken out about the devastating news but posted a broken love heart on Facebook earlier today.

The star shared a post yesterday in the hope of trying to find Martyn, who was then considered missing.

He wrote: “Friend of my family is still missing.

“He’s called Martyn Hett, he was wearing a retro shirt and has a Deidrie Barlow tattoo on his ankle/calf. [sic]

“Please let me know if anyone has seen him since.”

Read more: Ariana Grande ‘offers to pay for funerals of Manchester victims’

Jason has deleted his Twitter account after he was confronted by evil trolls following his message to US singer Ariana Grande.

A heartbroken Ariana tweeted after the explosion saying: “Broken. from the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don’t have words.”

Jason replied: “@.ArianaGrande you gave those kids the night of their lives, their hearts were full of joy and happiness and that was because of you. Remember that.”

One Twitter user suggested he should be paying more attention to the victims, and he said: “How childish. I like to think I’m able to feel for all people [affected].”

The attack killed 22 people, including eight-year-old Saffie Roussos and 18-year-old Ariana super-fan Georgina Callander, and a further 119 fans were injured.

The Dangerous Woman singer has now reportedly offered to pay for the victims’ funerals.

A fan website called Ariana Updates has shared a post saying: “News on Ariana: Ariana has reached out to the families whose loved ones died last night….she is gonna pay for the funerals!”


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)