School receptionist confirmed dead in Manchester suicide bombing

The partner of South Shore Academy receptionist Jane Tweddle has confirmed she was killed in the Manchester terrorist attack.
Jane Tweddle, 51, who died in the suicide attack in Manchester on MondayJane Tweddle, 51, who died in the suicide attack in Manchester on Monday
Jane Tweddle, 51, who died in the suicide attack in Manchester on Monday

The 51-year-old had gone to the Manchester Arena on Monday evening with a friend to pick up her friend's daughter, Mark Taylor, who played football for Blackpool from 1986 to 1992, said.

He added: "Jane was obviously a lovely lady and a very good mother to three daughters, liked by everybody, especially in the community in Blackpool where she worked.

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"All the school children and work colleagues are reaching out pass on their condolences, and obviously all of her family.

South Shore Academy in St Annes RoadSouth Shore Academy in St Annes Road
South Shore Academy in St Annes Road

"She was full of life, very energetic with the children, and going to functions and all sorts of different things - skiing and all those happy times and activities."

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Jane's death was confirmed last night, her partner saidJane's death was confirmed last night, her partner said
Jane's death was confirmed last night, her partner said

Missing Martyn Hett confirmed a victim of Manchester bomb blastMr Taylor, speaking on BBC Radio Lancashire, said Jane and her friend ate together while US singer Ariana Grande performed at the arena, where a suicide bomber set off an improvised nail bomb at 10.33pm, shortly after the concert had finished.

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"She had gone back to pick them up as arranged and they were both waiting in the area where the explosion happened," he said.

"Unfortunately, Jane didn't come back."

The friend was 'okay', as was her daughter, he added.

South Shore Academy in St Annes RoadSouth Shore Academy in St Annes Road
South Shore Academy in St Annes Road

"I was in London away on business and one of my daughters rang me at the hotel and said that mum had gone missing and there was an explosion," he said.

"I turned the news on to find out what had happened, and at that point she was notified as missing. We were hoping she was in a hotel or a hospital with an injury."

The family received confirmation of Ms Tweddle's death last night, he added.

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Jane's death was confirmed last night, her partner saidJane's death was confirmed last night, her partner said
Jane's death was confirmed last night, her partner said
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Headteacher at South Shore Academy, in St Annes Road, said the secondary school has been left 'devastated at this sad news.'

In a statement, she said: "Jane was a well-loved member of staff and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this terrible time.

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"Jane was a truly wonderful friend and colleague to all of us at South Shore Academy.

"As our receptionist, she was in many ways, the public face of the school and she represented us amazingly in this role.

"We have received numerous messages of condolences from parents, students, community members and colleagues across Blackpool for which we are very grateful.

"All of them say the same things about our lovely Jane; bubbly, kind, welcoming, funny, generous - the list goes on.

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"Our thoughts are also with her family at this dreadful time and in particular her three daughters. In our school family and theirs.

"She is irreplaceable, much loved and will never be forgotten."

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Coun Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jane, a valued and respected member of staff at South Shore Academy.

"This is an incredibly tragic event and our hearts and prayers are with everyone.

“We have offered immediate additional support to South Shore Academy through our various specialist counselling teams and will extend that support to all schools.

“Our thoughts are also with the wider community who may have lost a loved one or someone close to them. We are also thinking of all those that have been injured.”