PEOPLE from across Craven, Pendle and North Yorkshire have spoken out and paid their respects to victims of yesterday's terrorist attack in Manchester.
Twenty-two people have been killed and 59 injured in an explosion at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena on Monday night.
New Skipton mayor Andy Rankine said: “As I woke up to the terrible news this morning in Manchester, tears ran down my face but I know that Light will always overcome darkness.
“As mayor of Skipton I pass on our condolences to those who have lost loved ones and prayers for those fighting for their lives in the hospitals around Manchester.”
The Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, Dave Jones, said: “This morning we woke to the tragic news of what is being treated as a terrorist attack in Manchester.
“There is no intelligence to suggest that there has been any change in the level of threat here in North Yorkshire.
“Still, I would like to reassure the public that we will continue to maintain a visible police presence across North Yorkshire today.
“On behalf of North Yorkshire Police I would like express my deepest sympathy to those affected by the tragic events.
“Our sympathies go out to those who have lost loved ones, or who have suffered as a result of this barbaric attack.
“Also, our thoughts go out to colleagues at Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services who have worked tirelessly in very difficult circumstances.”
Julian Smith, Conservative MP candidate for Skipton and Ripon, said: “I am appalled by the attack in Manchester and the heartbreaking stories of death and injury to so many of our citizens including children who were enjoying a night out.
“The police, security services and emergency services in Manchester and nationally deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation for all they have done and continue to do to help victims and give support.”
Paul Shevlin, chief executive of Craven District Council, said: “I’m sure we’ve all been shocked and appalled by the attack on innocent concert-goers, including many children, in Manchester.
“Our thoughts go out to all those families affected by this horrific and cowardly act of terrorism. It’s crucial now that our communities pull together to ensure extremism in any form is stamped out and we show the terrorists they cannot win.”
Pendle Council is flying the St George’s Cross flags at half-mast on Nelson and Colne Town Halls as a mark of respect for those affected by the terrorist attack.
“We are totally shocked and saddened at yesterday’s appalling attack and want to express our condolences to all those affected,” said council leader, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal.
“Manchester feels very close to home for us and we know that people in our area will be terribly affected by this act of terror.”
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Leeds which covers Craven, has asked all of the dioceses's 656 churches to open their doors for prayer today.
Writing in his online blog he commented: “Today at least 22 families will wake up to a world in which their own children will have found their life ended young. The loss can only be indescribable. Life will never be the same again; the sense of injustice will not be comprehended.
“The cowardice of the perpetrator is striking. Isn’t it brave and principled to target unwitting children and young people?
“My prayer is that those whose lives have been torn apart by this atrocity will be drawn by a profound hope and not devastated by fear.”
Mr Rankine added: “Let us not panic nor be pushed into hatred by this evil act, let us be vigilant and report anything suspicious to your local police.”
North Yorkshire Police is asking people to report anything suspicious to a police officer, call 101 or ring the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
The emergency number 0161 856 9400 is available for those who are concerned about loved ones in Manchester.
Anyone with images or footage from last night that could assist Greater Manchester Police can upload them to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk