Muslim taxi drivers have been praised for helping victims and concert-goers following a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester which killed 22 people and injured 59.
While some people were accused of exploiting what has been described as a terrorist attack to spread fear and prejudice, others shared their experience of Muslims’ support and generosity in the face of chaos.
“'Muslims are to blame'- When in reality Muslim taxi drivers are offering free lifts, and a Muslim doctor working into the night saving lives,” tweeted one social media user.
“Absolutely a Muslim driver took me home last night gave me water and charged my phone,” tweeted another. “Absolutely stars in my eyes.” Drivers worked for free throughout the night, ferrying those who needed help. Others offered people water and charged their mobile phones. “Our Muslim taxi driver directed us to a safe place and said he would never have left us, he waited till we could get to him,” read another tweet. Another person said her taxi driver, who she said was Muslim, was “absolutely heartbroken this morning”.It was a Muslim taxi driver that got me out of that hellish situation and to safety. People need to watch their words.
— Laura Rachel Hurst. (@L_Hurst) May 23, 2017
'Muslims are to blame'- When in reality Muslim taxi drivers are offering free lifts, and a Muslim doctor working into the night saving lives — Joshua (@JoshhWoods) May 22, 2017
The comments come after the largest deadly attack since the London tube bombings in 2005, which has seen the death of dozens of people, including many children.
Local hotels gave free rooms to those affected by the concert explosion, while locals opened their doors offering cups of tea.
Sikh temples offered food and shelter, and blood donation centres had to turn people away as so many turned up to donate.
@JoshhWoods @mattjcorner Absolutely a muslim driver took me home last night gave me water and charged my phone. Absolutely stars in my eyes.
— Mark (@marktitman) May 23, 2017
@Burhan_Saeed10 our muslim taxi driver directed us to a safe place and said he would never have Left us, he waited till we could get to him — Dawn Louise Price (@DawnLouisePrice) May 23, 2017
Not just Gurudwaras in Manchester offering victims food & accommodation, this Sikh cab driver is offering free taxi service to the needy #RT pic.twitter.com/AJNXL6JurW
— Harjinder S Kukreja (@SinghLions) May 23, 2017