Theresa May halts election campaign after Manchester Arena blast and slams ‘appalling terrorist attack’
THERESA May has condemned the "appalling terrorist attack" at Manchester Arena - as all parties suspended their General Election campaigns.
The PM said her thoughts were with the families of victims of last night's suicide bombing, which left 22 people dead, adding that she has called an emergency Cobra meeting for 9am this morning.
In a brief statement, the Prime Minister said: "We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.
"All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected."
Some 59 people were injured in the cowardly attack which came towards the end of the concert by Ariana Grande.
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A spokesman confirmed the singer was safe as emergency services poured into the area.
Mrs May had been due to visit South-west England after her campaign was rocked by a social care policy U-turn.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had spoken with Mrs May.
He said: "We have agreed that all national campaigning in the General Election will be suspended until further notice."
He added: "I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night.
"My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured.
"Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.
Lib Dem boss Tim Farron - who had been due to campaign in Gibralatar - said: "My deepest condolences to the victims and families.
"Our emergency services have shown great bravery and heroism."
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall, who is an MEP for the North West, added: "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."
The Home Secretary condemned the attack, saying it was intended to "sow fear" but vowing that the terrorists would not succeed in their aim.
Amber Rudd said: "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."
She added: "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."
Newly-elected Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised emergency services following the attack by tweeting: "My heart goes out to families who have lost loved ones, my admiration to our brave emergency services. A terrible night for our great city."
Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, released an emotional statement insisting that the terrorists' cause will fail.
He said: "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 and real, and it lasts long after the headlines have moved on.
"But the cause they seek to advance is going to fail. They try to divide us. But we will not divide. We will pull together and live our lives.
"Britain will respond as it always does under attack; with love for the bereaved, unity and resolve. They will not change us. They will not win."
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "Horrified at the bombing in Manchester. No doubt we will find out who the perpetrator is soon. My thoughts are with those affected."
He later appeared on Fox News dubbing the blast as a "direct attack on children" that "marks a new low in all forms of terrorism".
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon called the bombing a "barbaric" and "heartbreaking" attack.
The SNP confirmed it will be suspending today's manifesto launch in light of the attack.
The Greens and Plaid Cymru are also suspending their campaigns.
Chancellor Philip Hammond said he would return early to London after attending a meeting of European finance ministers in Brussels.
He added: "It is, as far as we know, a terrorist incident, we are treating it as such.
"My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and the people of Manchester.
"I’d like to pay tribute to the emergency services who have done a great job throughout the night and are continuing to work at the scene."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan added to the sea of tributes saying: "London stands with Manchester - our thoughts are with all those killed and injured tonight and our brave emergency services."
And David Cameron said: "My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of last night's horrendous attack in Manchester and their loved ones. I praise and thank our brave emergency services and thoughtful, caring, resolute Manchester community."
Donald Trump - who spoke to the PM this morning - slammed the attackers as "losers" as he said the US would "stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom".
President of the European Council Donald Tusk also paid tribute to the victims of the attack tweeting: "My heart is in Manchester this night. Our thoughts are with the victims."
And France's President Emmanuel Macron said he would talk to Mrs May to discuss how the two countries can combat terror together.
Police today confirmed the attack was a suicide bombing.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police today read: "We have been treating this as a terrorist incident and we believe that while the attack last night was conducted by one man.
"The priority is to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.
"The attacker, I can confirm, died at the arena.
"We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated, causing this atrocity."