A POLICEWOMAN who was one of the first on the scene in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bomb attack two years ago has been recognised.

British Transport Police (BTP) officer Jessica Bullough, from Leigh, was working at the Ariana Grande gig on May 22, 2017 when a suicide bomber detonated a device in the venue's foyer.

A total of 22 people were killed and dozens more were injured in the incident.

Jessica, who had only joined the BTP eight months earlier, was one of four BTP officers to get to the scene first along with three PCSOs.

Former Bedford High School pupil Jessica, 22, said: "It was like utter carnage when I got there; like something out of a war zone.

"It was a tough situation but it's our job so we helped as many people as we could to get them out and save as many people as possible.

"I carried as many people as I could out of the building and gave them first aid.

"Obviously you don’t expect that to happen every day of your life but I think the adrenaline kept me going."

Jessica was on a 3pm to midnight shift that night, but the tragedy which followed after the bomb was set off at around 10.30pm left her needing to work until 5.30am the next morning.

Her bravery has now been acknowledged in the New Year's Honours List with her being awarded the Queen's Police Medal.

The accolade is given to officers who display gallantry or distinguished service

Police constable Bullough added: "Im honoured and proud to be receiving this award.

"I see the award as not being just for myself but for everyone who was working at the Manchester Arena."

Jessica lives with her partner Zak in Newton-le-Willows.