WARRINGTON’S Town Hall flag will be at half-mast for the rest of the week after 22 people died in an explosion at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Warrington Borough Council Leader Cllr Terry O’Neill has issued a statement following the tragedy.

He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been tragically affected by this evil act of terrorism.

“In the north west, we are one community and we stand together with our friends and neighbours in Manchester.

“We will support you in any way we can.

“One objective of terrorists is to set community against community – we cannot let that happen and the way forward is solidarity and hope.

“Warrington Town Hall’s flag will be at half-mast for the rest of the week and we will be working closely with the people of the borough and the police to ensure social cohesion and harmony at these challenging times.”

Warrington Male Voice Choir chairman Bob Williams has also released a statement.

He said: “Warrington Male Voice Choir joins in the revulsion felt following the Manchester Arena attack last night and our thoughts are with those killed or injured, with their families and friends and with others affected.

“As a choir we used our music to help build peace and reconciliation over many years, following the Warrington bombings in 1993.

“We used it again in 1996, following the IRA bombing in Manchester, with a concert at Manchester Cathedral, ironically a short distance from the scene of this latest suspected terrorist attack.

“If, and when felt appropriate, we will be discussing how we might again use music to remember and support those caught up in a horrific attack on a great city.”

Cllr Faisal Rashid, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Warrington South, said: "I offer my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this atrocity, particularly to those bereaved and those who do not yet know if their loved ones are safe.

"From a town that has suffered from terrorism, I am sure we all we extend our hope that the city of Manchester may come together in determination that terrorists will not prevail.

"I utterly condemn this cowardly attack, which has devastated the lives of so many people."

Labour's Warrington North parliamentary candidate Helen Jones said: "This was terrible news to wake up to this morning.

"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved and affected.

"We cannot be cowed by this act of terrorism.

"We must redouble our efforts to combat the evil people who commit these barbarous acts.

"Amidst the horror, we should also remember the people who went to help and our wonderful emergency services, who acted so quickly and bravely, not knowing if they were walking into further danger."

Warrington Borough Council has also issued advice for parents on how to talk to their children about the incident. 

Information and contacts for anyone concerned has been sent to every school in the town. 

Exam boards are not postponing any GCSEs or A-levels, but they are giving schools discretion over whether their pupils take them.

Witnesses reported hearing a ‘huge bang’ at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig last night.

Police say the male attacker died in the bomb blast as he was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated at around 10.35pm.

"WE stand together."

That is the message following the horrific terror attack at a pop concert which killed 22 people, including children and teenagers. 

The Warrington Guardian is backing the Manchester Evening News' fundraising appeal, launched for the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack.

We and other Newsquest titles across the country are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Trinity Mirror-owned newspaper, whose online campaign topped £1m within 24 hours.

The newspaper’s original target of £250,000 was broken within hours of its JustGiving page being set up and the £500,000 and £750,000 marks were also soon passed.

The MEN has urged other newspapers, websites and media to call on their readers to back its appeal and the Warrington Guardian has pledged support without hesitation.

MEN editor in chief Rob Irvine said: "The response of the public in Greater Manchester and across the country has been amazing. So many people want to help.

"We have also been moved by the number of papers and websites who have rallied round Manchester, with messages of support on newspaper front pages and website home pages.

"We would be so pleased if our fellow journalists could ask their readers to help the appeal. The Red Cross will make sure the support gets quickly to the families affected. Many of the victims of the attack came from across the UK and they can all be supported."

Donations to the MEN’S appeal can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westandtogethermanchester