A YOUNG couple from South Shields are among the 22 victims killed, it has been confirmed.

Chloe Rutherford, 17 and Liam Curry, 19, had not made contact with family or friends after a suicide bomber struck at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

The family of both teenagers made the following tribute to the 'inseparable' couple:

"On the night our daughter Chloe died and our son Liam died their wings were ready but our hearts were not.

"They were perfect in every way for each other and were meant to be.

"They were beautiful inside and out to ourselves and our families, and they were inseperable.

"Chloe always described herself as ditzy who Liam adored and would do anything for, including dealing with Chloe's demands for chocolate.

"They lived to go to new places together and explore different cities. They wanted to be together forever and now they are."

Westoe Travel, the travel agency where Chloe worked, described her as a "friendly happy personality".

A tribute on its website and Facebook page reads: "Thank you to everyone who shared our recent posts for Chloe and Liam.

"We have now had the devastating news that Chloe and her boyfriend Liam have been taken from us at such a young age. It is something we will never be able to understand. 

"When you watch these events on television you never expect them to impact on those around you.

"As a small family business, Chloe was part of our family, working part time as she completed her college studies before starting full time with us on 26 June to begin her Travel Apprenticeship.

"We loved her friendly happy personality and she was a great asset toWestoe Travel and had a great future ahead in the travel industry which she was really looking forward to.

"Liam would meet her from work and they were a perfect loving couple.

"The families have lost two beautiful young people who were a credit to them and our thoughts and prayers go to both families at this terrible time."

Brendan Tapping, Headteacher at St Wilfrid's RC College in South Shields, described former pupil Liam as "a fine young man".

He added: "It is with great sadness that we have been made aware that Liam Curry, one of our former pupils, has lost his life in the attack in Manchester.

"Our heartfelt condolences, deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to Liam’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic loss.

"He was a model student and a fine young man, remembered with great affection by all those who taught him.

"St Wilfrid’s are offering the fullest support possible to pupils, staff and parents, including access to counselling services with a dedicated team based on site. Special exam considerations will be applied as appropriate for any students involved in public exams."

The school will be opening a book of condolence for pupils and staff in school.

It will be available at school reception between 9.30am and 11.30am tomorrow and then each day from next Tuesday, Mat 30, to Friday, June 2.

Books of Condolence for Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry have also been opened at South Shields Town Hall.

The Books of Condolence are available for signing by visitors in the old reception area of South Shields Town Hall, during normal office hours Monday to Friday and between 10am and 4pm this Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday to give the community of South Tyneside an opportunity to pay their respects at this very sad time.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council said: “We are extremely saddened by the news of Chloe and Liam’s death and send our deepest condolences to their family and all of their friends. 

"We have offered our support to the families and are working closely with our school communities to do whatever we can to support them at this difficult time.

“We are all shocked and horrified by what happened in Manchester this week.

"We are absolutely devastated by the tragic injuries and loss of innocent young lives in such a callous and cowardly attack.

"Chloe and Liam had so much to look forward to and were simply enjoying life at a pop concert.

“We must stand together at times like this and show real defiance against those who are intent on destroying our way of life and dividing and spreading fear in our communities. They will not win.

“Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families and friends of the victims of this atrocity"

Mr Curry's cricket club paid tribute to the player who had been with them since he was a little boy.

Marsden Cricket Club's Facebook page said: "Liam has been part of the club from the age of just six and we have all seen him develop into an incredibly strong and mature young man, supporting his family through the loss of his father Andy earlier this year.

"He was developing into a fine cricketer and coach and was undoubtedly going to be part of our first team for many years to come."

His girlfriend had also supported him and his family after his father died, the South Shields-based club said.

"Chloe, like Liam, was an incredibly strong person, supporting Caroline, Zack and of course Liam through the loss of Andrew.

"Quiet but not shy, she was a pleasure to be with around the club and I am sure she would have become a close friend to all in the years to come."