KRIS Hopkins, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Keighley and Ilkley, issued a statement this morning following last night’s terrorist attack in Manchester:

“I share the deep sense of shock and absolute horror felt across the community following the cowardly terrorist attack at Manchester Arena. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were lost and with the many other victims who were injured.

“Sadly, Manchester is no stranger to dealing with the ravages of terrorism, most notably following the devastating IRA bomb attack in the city centre almost 21 years ago.

“The vermin behind this attack must be hunted down by all means necessary. They have nothing to offer this world but death, destruction and division.

“My General Election campaign has been suspended until further notice.

“As a Northern Ireland Office Minister, I will be doing all I can to support ministerial colleagues across Government in dealing with the situation as it develops.”

In a joint statement Bradford Council Leader Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Abid Hussain, and Bradford Council Chief Executive, Kersten England, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by last night's terrible incident at Manchester Arena, which is believed to be a terrorist attack. We are aware that a number of people from our district are among the injured and we wish them a swift and full recovery.

"The Union Flag on City Hall has been lowered as a mark of respect, in line with all government buildings across the country.

"The Council will continue to plan and work with all its partners, including West Yorkshire Police, to ensure that the Bradford district remains safe and vigilant in the face of any threat of terrorism."