POLITICIANS AND MUSICIANS across the world are voicing their shock and condolences after a terror attack in Manchester killed at least 22.
Children are among those killed in the attack, which police say was “designed to cause maximum damage”.
The 23-year-old singer at the concert Ariana Grande tweeted to her 45 million followers that she was “broken” by the attack.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny took to social media to condemn the attack and send his condolences.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has said that he’s not aware at the moment of any Irish citizens affected.
Political parties in the UK are suspending campaigning in the general election in light of events in Manchester.
Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain’s main opposition Labour Party tweeted, “Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services.”
Andy Burnham, the newly elected Mayor of Manchester added:
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, “London stands with Manchester – our thoughts are with all those killed and injured tonight and our brave emergency services.”
Nigel Farage, who led the anti-immigration UK Independence Party through Britain’s divisive vote to leave the European Union said the attack was directed at children and is going to be a very big shock for the UK.
Outside Britain, leaders also expressed solidarity.
Steffen Seibert, spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said:
Meanwhile, musicians are also sending out messages of condolences.
Irish singer and songwriter Niall Horan said his thoughts are with the people of Manchester.
His bandmate in One Direction Harry Styles said:
Stars in the US are also sending out messages of support. US rapper Nicki Minaj, who collaborated with Grande on recent hits “Bang Bang” and “Side to Side” tweeted:
Popstar Taylor Swift, a friend of Grande, tweeted:
Katy Perry, also a friend of Grande, tweeted: “Broken-hearted for the families tonight. Broken-hearted for Ari. Broken-hearted for the state of this world.”
Grande’s manager Scooter Braun, who also represents Justin Bieber, published a longer statement through his Twitter account.
James Corden taped a message to Manchester after his Late Late Show in the US. He paid tribute to the city of football, music and curries.
“Many of you won’t have ever been to Manchester but you’ll definitely have heard of it. It’s famous all over the world for so many wonderful things… great football teams Man City, Man United; it’s famous for incredible music – Oasis and Joy Division; it was the birthplace of the Suffragettes; it was the home of the inventor of the first computer. It’s a place full of comedy and curries and character.
But when I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there. I’m telling you, a more tight-knit group of people you will be hard-pressed to find. Strong, proud, caring people with community at its core.
“If it was even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Manchester tonight, all of the staff and security at the Arena, all the emergency services, Ariana and her team and all of those families affected by tonight.
“We’ll all go to bed holding our little ones even tighter this evening.”
Additional reporting by AFP.
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