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It was an unusually warm day here on Thursday. And the passions were strong among residents who came to the center of the city to lay flowers – just three days since the brutal attack here that killed 22 and injured dozens more.

"You can't let yourself be beaten by them," one local informed me.

"The attack made me sick but it's nice that people have come out here today," another young woman said.

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Along with the flowers, balloons and dolls, messages were left. The most popular, "Rest in Peace 22 Angels," a reference to the young age of many of the victims. Struck by shrapnel like in a war zone instead of the pop concert they were attending.

"It was the city's darkest hour," Manchester Mayor Andrew Burnham told me. "But they are showing their best."

Burnham actually was red-hot...with anger against U.S. law enforcement officials who leaked information to American media about the investigation. Echoing the sentiment of UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who has limited information from Britain to the U.S. for the moment.

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Referring to the leaks, Burnham told Fox News: "This is wrong morally, arrogant, and disrespectful to those who have lost loved ones."

In the meantime, the raids and arrests around Manchester by police continue.

But there are still some fears.

"I worry about the children....that it could happen again," a young lady told me.

And defiance. The city is going ahead with a host of pre-planned cultural and sporting events this weekend. With extra security.

"I thought for a bit whether I’d go ahead and run in the marathon here," another man told us. "Then I decided to do it.”

Probably the most active and best response to this worst kind of anti-social act.