South Shields couple die in Manchester bombing

A teenage couple killed in the Manchester Arena bombing "wanted to be together forever and now they are'', their families have said.

Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, from South Shields, were "inseparable'' and "beautiful inside and out'', their grieving relatives said as they became the latest youngsters known to have died in the atrocity.

The teenage sweethearts were among 22 people killed, including an eight-year-old girl, when suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up after a pop concert on Monday night.

In a joint statement released through Greater Manchester Police their relatives said: "On the night our daughter Chloe died and our son Liam died, their wings were ready but our hearts were not.

"They were perfect in every way for each other and were meant to be.

"They were beautiful inside and out to ourselves and our families, and they were inseparable.

"Chloe always described herself as ditzy who Liam adored and would do anything for, including dealing with Chloe's demands for chocolate.

"They lived to go to new places together and explore different cities. They wanted to be together forever and now they are.''

"They lived to go to new places together and explore different cities. They wanted to be together forever and now they are.''

Liam, a former pupil of Gateshead College, was studying for a degree in sport and exercise science at Northumbria University.

Chloe's family posted this tribute to social media last night:

Both Chloe and Liam worked at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.

Martin Robinson, General Manager, said:

“It is with the utmost sadness that we have been informed that two of our youngest team members, Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford, have been confirmed as amongst the victims of Monday’s tragic attack in Manchester. Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Liam and Chloe at this very difficult time.

Everyone at the hotel will remember two wonderful members of our team, who brought so much happiness to those around them and who will be very sadly missed.

My management team and I are providing support to our team members and the families of Liam and Chloe, with whom we remain in constant contact.”

Books of Condolence for Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry have been opened at South Shields Town Hall.

The Books of Condolence are available for signing by visitors in the old reception area of South Shields Town Hall, during normal office hours Monday to Friday and between 10am and 4pm this Saturday 27, Sunday 28 and Bank Holiday Monday 29 May to give the community of South Tyneside an opportunity to pay their respects at this very sad time.

Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council said: “We are extremely saddened by the news of Chloe and Liam’s death and send our deepest condolences to their family and all of their friends. We have offered our support to the families and are working closely with our school communities to do whatever we can to support them at this difficult time.

“We are all shocked and horrified by what happened in Manchester this week. We are absolutely devastated by the tragic injuries and loss of innocent young lives in such a callous and cowardly attack. Chloe and Liam had so much to look forward to and were simply enjoying life at a pop concert.

“We must stand together at times like this and show real defiance against those who are intent on destroying our way of life and dividing and spreading fear in our communities. They will not win.

“Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families and friends of the victims of this atrocity"