A couple from York who had gone to Manchester Arena to collect their daughters were among the victims of Monday’s terrorist attack.
Angelika and Marcin Klis died after a suicide bomber detonated explosives in the foyer of the arena.
They were there to collect their two daughters who had been to see Ariana Grande in concert.
Their elder daughter Alex is a student at York College. She has a younger sister who goes to school in York.
Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told a Polish radio station: “The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead.
“The children are safe.”
Support for the family
On Tuesday (May 23) daughter Alex Klis said she was looking for her parents who had been missing since the attack.
In a post shared widely on Facebook she wrote: “Anyone who is in any safe place or hospital in Manchester, if anyone comes across my parents please please let me know as they’ve been missing ever since the attack.”
Friends and well-wishers have left condolences on that post today to Alex and her sister.
A spokeswoman for City of York Council said: “This news has shocked the whole city and agencies across York which are working together to give the appropriate support where needed.
“Liaising with police and the Polish consulate, we are supporting the bereaved young people at this terrible time.”
‘Fun-loving family man’
Marcin Klis originally came from Darlowo, a seaside town in the north of Poland. He was a driver with York Cars Taxis.
A spokeswoman for the firm said: “York Cars Taxis are deeply shocked and saddened by the events in Manchester. Marcin was a pleasant and fun-loving family man and a valued member of our team.
“He was well-liked and respected by his colleagues during his six months with us.
“We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Marcin and Angelika’s daughters, family and friends.
“We will of course be doing everything possible to support them through this tragic event.”
‘Shocked and deeply saddened’
York College principal and chief executive Dr Alison Birkinshaw described the sense of shock at what has happened.
She said: “Everyone at York College is shocked and deeply saddened to learn that the parents of one of our students, Alex Klis, both died during the Manchester attack.
“This is devastating news for Alex and her family, the whole College and the wider community. We are in touch with Alex and will do whatever we can to support her and her family.
“The college has also arranged counselling and other support for students and staff affected by the news and will work with the wider networks in the City to do whatever is needed to help all those affected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex and her family, and York College students and staff will do whatever we can to help and support Alex at this awful time.”
‘Do all we can to support them’
The Union flag is being flown at half mast at City of York Council West Offices, and there’ll be a minute’s silence at the full council mayor making ceremony on Thursday (May 25).
Council leader David Carr said:
Our thoughts and sympathies – and those of everyone in York – are with the people affected.
The death of Mr and Mrs Klis is a tragedy and the council will do all that it can to support their two daughters at this very difficult time.