WARRINGTON will pay its respects to the victims of the Manchester bombing this afternoon.

The Rev Paul Wilson, rector of Warrington, will lead a gathering of the borough's faith and political leaders at the Golden Gates outside the Town Hall at 2.45pm.

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill has called on residents to unite following the atrocity on Monday night.

He said: "All faiths, all parties and all communities in Warrington stand in solidarity with our friends and neighbours in Manchester.

"People in Warrington who wish to pay their respects to the victims of the Manchester bombing are invited to leave flowers at the Golden Gates and sign a book of condolence at the Town Hall reception.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been so tragically affected by this callous act."

The Town Hall flag is flying at half-mast for the rest of the week after 22 people died in the attack at Manchester Arena.