Photos from the Last Three Days in Manchester

Manchester is on the world stage because of the worst reason imaginable. Monday's atrocity, in which 22 were killed and 59 injured, has caused the to be city swarmed with police, camera crews and news personalities from across the globe. Quiet streets have have been subjected to dawn raids by armed police; controlled explosions have reverberated through nearby houses; and so many journalists have descended on certain areas that people have left notes on their doors asking to be left in peace.

However, Manchester has also shown the world what makes the city so special. Thousands attended the vigil on Tuesday evening, refusing to succumb to fear, and instead showing their solidarity with the friends and family of the victims. Hundreds joined the following night too at St Ann's Square for a multi-faith vigil. Laid down around the statue of Richard Cobden were as many bouquets of flowers as there were people – the sheer scale of hand written notes, letters and teddy bears was overwhelming.

VICE sent Chris Bethell – who is simultaneously one of our favourite photographers and our favourite Manc – to capture his hometown in tragic circumstances.

@CBethell_Photo