A CANDLELIT vigil has been held for a mother from Otley who is among the missing following the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena.

More than 100 people of all ages gathered at the Buttercross in the town centre tonight at the event organised with the consent of Wendy Fawell's family. 

Friends and acquaintances sat in silence as they prayed for her safety.

Rosemary Thompson, Ms Fawell's godmother said she was 'sick with worry'.

"I've tried to get in touch with Julia, Wendy's mum, but I don't have a mobile number for her.

"I keep looking out and listening for news and hoping for the best. All we can do is hope and wait."

A number of people have also taken to social media to try to find Ms Fawell, who was at the Ariana Grande show on Monday night.

Ms Fawell, who is understood to have attended with her daughter and friends, was last seen in the foyer of the area shortly before the bomb blast that killed 22 people and left many more injured.

Leeds Underdogs ARL rugby club Tweeted: "Friends of ours are looking for a Wendy Fawell-New, if anyone know if she is safe, please get back to us."

Debbie Mcdowell posted a photograph of Ms Fawell on Facebook with the message: "Please share this picture of my best friend Wendy Fawell who is missing after the bombing in Manchester.

"Praying for safe return my lovely. Love you loads xx"

A second woman from Otley is believed to have been injured by shrapnel in the attack, which was committed by a suicide bomber.

A 23-year-old man was also arrested in Manchester on Tuesday morning in connection with the bombing.

Local Parliamentary candidate Greg Mulholland - who like all of the general election candidates suspended campaigning on Tuesday as a sign of respect - branded those responsible as 'cowards'.

He said: "This was a horrific attack targeting children and families who were in Manchester enjoying a concert.

"To deliberately target an event and crowd like this is cowardly and evil.

"My deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones and my thoughts and prayers are with them and those who are injured or still missing.

"There are people from Leeds and Leeds North West caught up in this dreadful attack.

"It is deeply worrying that Wendy Fawell, who lives in Otley and Courtney Boyle, who is a student at Leeds Beckett University, are amongst the missing.

"My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families and friends.
"I am also aware that a friend of Wendy's was injured and requires surgery, so once again my thoughts are with her and family.

"All those concerned about family and friends should contact the emergency hotline on 0161 856 9400."

He added: "I would like to pay tribute to the swift response and dedication of the emergency services and NHS staff caring for the victims and their families and also to the many people, hotels, taxi drivers and businesses from Manchester and beyond who offered their help in such a wonderful way.

"We stand with them all united in solidarity at this dreadful time.
"The whole country is united in grief after this devastating terror attack but also in determination to take on these terrorists and their message of hatred, division and violence.

"Together we stand up to this evil and say 'not in our country'".