WARRINGTON Islamic Association (WIA) has written to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to offer its support to the city on behalf of the town's Muslim community.

WIA chairman Amer Siddiq sent the heartfelt message to Labour's Mr Burnham following the Manchester bombing on Monday night.

He said: "I am writing this letter to you on behalf of the whole of the Warrington Muslim community.

"The events on Monday night have shocked us all.

"We wholeheartedly condemn this act of terror and our prayers and thoughts are with the families of those who have passed away and those affected in any way with this abhorrent act of terrorism.

"May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice – both in this life and the next.

"I wanted to personally say that we stand with you in your hour of need and we stand together to show the world we are united against terrorism in all its forms and guises.

"The whole of Warrington is with Manchester and we extend our hands of friendship and brotherhood to all of Manchester.

"As a community we sincerely want to do all we can to help in any way we can."

Prayers and a minute's silence were held at the Golden Gates to pay respects to the victims of the atrocity yesterday, Wednesday.

The bomb blast at Manchester Arena on Monday night killed 22 people and left many more injured.