Home Secretary condemns ‘barbaric’ Manchester attack which targeted vulnerable

She said the intention of the attack was to “sow fear” but stressed that it would not succeed.

In a statement, she said: “I know that some people will only just be waking up to the news of the horrific attacks in Manchester last night.

“This was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society – young people and children out at a pop concert.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and the victims who have been affected, and I know the whole country will share that view.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the emergency services who have worked throughout the night professionally and effectively – they have done an excellent job.

“Later on this morning, I will be attending COBRa, chaired by the Prime Minister, to collect more information – to find out more – about this particular attack, and I can’t comment any more on that at the moment.

“The public should remain alert but not alarmed. If they have anything to report, they should approach the police.

“But I have two further things to add.

“The great city of Manchester has been affected by terrorism before. Its spirit was not bowed; its community continued.

“This time it has been a particular attack on the most vulnerable in our society – its intention was to sow fear – its intention is to divide. But it will not succeed.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said it was “impossible to imagine a worse night in the history of this city”.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims of those people who are in some cases critically injured in what is a truly appalling night.”

Sir Richard added: “As a city, as a community, we will continue to pull together and we will not allow ourselves to be beaten.”

Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, wrote on Twitter: “Thinking of every family whose lives have been destroyed today by a cowardly hate filled attack. So much pain and so pointless.

“The pain these attacks inflict is profound & real, & it lasts long after the headlines have moved on.”

He added: “Britain will respond as it always does under attack; with love for the bereaved, unity & resolve. They will not change us. They will not win.”

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: “Just woken to the terrible news in the heart of my constituency, Manchester. My prayers and thoughts are with those affected. Stay strong.

“In light of what’s happened I have suspended the Ukip General Election campaign.”

Announcing the suspension of campaigning by the Green Party – including the planned launch of the Welsh Green manifesto – co-leader Jonathan Bartley said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by this appalling incident in Manchester. For young people to be targeted in this way is utterly atrocious.”

The Muslim Council of Britain said the Manchester attack was “horrific” and “criminal”.

Secretary-general Harun Khan said: “May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.”

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “On behalf of firefighters across the UK, we condemn this barbaric attack in Manchester, an assault on ordinary people going about their lives, which ruthlessly targeted children and young people.”