THE FAMILY of a mother from Otley have confirmed she died in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack.

Wendy Fawell had been the subject of a huge appeal on social media after last being seen at the Ariana Grande show on Monday night.

The 50 year old is understood to have attended the concert with her teenage daughter and friends, and was last seen in the arena's foyer shortly before the bomb blast that killed 22 people and left many more injured.

More than 100 people gathered in Otley for a candlelit vigil to pray for her safe return, but family and friends took to Facebook on Wednesday night to share the news that she had died.

Her son, Adam, posting on Facebook on Thursday morning, said: "I am really sad to say that my mum unfortunately has passed away as a result of the terror attack in Manchester.

"I want to say a massive thank you to all friends and family who have shared posts to try to find her and all the messages that have been sent.

"It really means a lot to us for all you have done I can't thank you enough.

"RIP Mum you will be sadly missed xxxxxxxxx."

The night before friend Debbie McDowell had posted: “I am heartbroken beyond belief.

"I have lost my best friend and confident Wendy Fawell. A beautiful lady who I will have treasured memories of.

"Nite god bless sweetheart. Love ❤ you to the moon and back xxxx."

Mandy Rafferty sent a message to the Otley – Our Town page, saying: "To all of you who have been messaging me, unfortunately it has been confirmed that Wendy was killed in the blast in at Manchester Arena.

"Our thoughts and prayers are now with Adam and Charlotte. RIP Wendy xx."

St Oswald's C of E Primary‏ School, at Guiseley, posted this message on Twitter: "It is with deepest sadness that I confirm that our former colleague Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester bombing. RIP, Wendy #StOPSG."

Parliamentary candidate for Leeds North West Greg Mulholland said: "It is tragic to hear confirmation that that Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester attack, having been missing since then.

"My deepest condolences to her family and friends. The whole town of Otley and neighbouring communities are devastated at this news and are in mourning for Wendy.

"When local people came together in a vigil in Otley on Tuesday night they joined together in reflection and prayer in the hope Wendy would be found safe.

"Ssadly that has not happened and the news that people feared has now come through.

"The strong community in Otley and in the surrounding area will come together and support the family at this most awful time, people are offering their support and a crowdfunding site has been set up to help. 

“People here are showing the very best in community spirit and we stand together with Wendy’s family and friends, and all those victims of this despicable attack.

"Wendy and her family will remain in our thoughts and prayers."

A book of condolence for Ms Fawell was opened at Otley Town Council's offices at the Otley Core, on Orchard Gate, at noon on Thursday, May 25 when Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Francis signed it on behalf of the whole town.

Town Council Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson said: “I know the whole of Otley will join me in expressing our deepest condolences to Wendy Fawell’s family and friends.

"Words can’t really express the sorrow and sadness we feel at this news and the anger we haveabout the atrocity and the manner in which she and others have lost their lives.

"As a community, we offer our love and solidarity to Wendy’s family and stand ready to offer any support we can."

Earlier, at 11am, Otley fell silent to join a national minute's silence for all the victims of Monday's atrocity and a ceremony was held at the Maypole, on Manchester Square, where the Union Flag flew at half mast.

Residents have started leaving messages and flowers in memory of Ms Fawell at the Jubille Clock.

A crowdfunding page to support her family, meanwhile, has been started by Otley resident Tom Featherstone at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wendyfawell .

Writing on the page, Mr Featherstone says: "I didn't really know how to respond to such a horrific event, but I suppose responding with humanity and kindness is a good place to start.

"I have seen several pages related to those affected by the attack, but I'd really like this all to go directly to Wendy's family - they can choose to put it towards funeral cost, something in memory of Wendy or even a family holiday to get them away from all of this.

"Let's all come together for Wendy's family and try and show them some light in this horrific situation."

*The news of Ms Fawell's death is still to be officially confirmed by the police.