Last night’s horrific attack in Manchester was a barbaric act of terror that has left all of us shocked to our core but resolute in our determination to stand together in solidarity with the people of Manchester. The terrorists seek to divide us but we will stand together.

It is hard to imagine what the victims’ families must be going through, but all our sympathy, support and solidarity is with them today and in the coming days and weeks.

Our thoughts also go out to the police, fire and ambulance staff who worked through the night in the most difficult of circumstances. The emergency services have once again done us all proud and should be given all the support they need to do their job.

The reaction of the people in Manchester and beyond has shown the spirit of the city, coming together to offer help and support, whether it was somewhere to stay for the night for those trapped in town, or a car ride back to loved ones, or queuing to give blood.

Attacks like this are intended by the murderous cowards who launch them only to divide us. Manchester has shown us this morning that they will not succeed.

We urge anybody with information relevant to the investigation to hand it to Greater Manchester Police. We urge the whole community to offer their full support to the police and intelligence services as they take action to protect us.