A YORK couple who had gone to Manchester Arena to collect their daughters were among the victims of the terror attack.

Marcin and Angelika Klis, who were originally from Poland but had lived in York for many years, were killed after suspected suicide bomber 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a home-made device at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.

They are believed to have been killed as they waited to pick their two daughters up after the concert and had posed for a selfie as they made their way back to the Manchester Arena.

As taxi driver Marcin, 42, and Angelika, 39, waited at their pre-arranged meeting place in the foyer they were caught in the bomb blast.

Their older daughter Alex, a student at York College, had appealed on social media as she searched for her parents.

York College has today issued a statement saying everyone at the college is 'shocked and deeply saddened' to learn of the news.

A family friend interviewed by a news agency at the Klis family home in York described them as being extremely close.

They said: "The family were just a loving and perfect family - they would do anything for you. Honestly, they were perfect.

"It's absolutely horrible - who would have thought that would happen? At a gig of all places.

"We've been waiting and waiting to hear from the police and were told last night that they had both died.

"We knew that the longer it got, it wouldn't be good news."

A spokesman for York College said: "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."

Alex's former colleagues at Russells of Coppergate have set up a justgiving page in support of Alex and her younger sister.

Sharon Killlin, of Russells, said they wanted to help Alex and her sister in any way possible.

She said: "We are just absolutely devastated at the news and wanted to do something to help.

"We're devastated for her knowing what a close family they were.

"We want to help them in any way we can."

The fundraising page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chris-gardner-2

Donna Kennelly, a neighbour of the family's home in York, has set up a GoFundMe page in an attempt to support the two young girls.

She wrote: "There are no words to describe what they must be going through.

"I know money will do nothing to ease their pain, but I am a neighbour of the family and I hope the community can come together to raise something for these girls that will help them financially at this terrible time."

Mr Klis worked as a driver for York Cars Taxis

A spokeswoman 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.”

A Union Jack flag is flying at half-mast outside City of York Council's West Offices and the authority will be holding a one minute's silence at this week's Full Council meeting.

A spokeswoman for York’s schools and college and 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."

A total of 22 people died and 64 were injured in the attack.

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."

A spokesman for the country's foreign ministry said "at least two people have died and one person has been injured" but could not confirm any further details.

Yesterday Alex said she was looking for her parents, who had been missing since the attack. 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."

Marcin Klis is believed to have worked for York Cars Taxis.