POLITICIANS in Stroud have reacted to the tragic events in Manchester last night, and the main political parties have suspended election campaigning.

Reacting to the attack, Stroud Mayor Kevin Cranston said: "This attack on innocent young people was an appalling thing to happen at what should have been a joyous night out for children and young families.

"Our thoughts and sympathy go out to those who have lost loved ones and to the injured.

"On a personal note I work with several companies in and around Manchester and frequently stay in the centre, it is great and friendly city.

"I know that Mancunians are strong, resilient people who will not give into the terrorists aim to create divisions and hatred in society."

Labour candidate for Stroud, David Drew said: "This is a terrible event and the sheer horror at what has transpired leave one with a very deep sense of sadness.

"My heart goes out to all those affected.  

"Having lived through 9/11 and 7/7 I know that Manchester will have a lasting effect on all our lives, but I have been moved by the way in which the people of that great city have rallied round in the immediate aftermath to do what they can to help.

"As a mark of respect we have suspended campaigning until further notice."

Conservative candidate Neil Carmichael said: "My thoughts go out to all families affected by last nights utterly appalling terrorist attack in Manchester.

"We all stand together today."

UKIP candidate Glen Gogerly told the SNJ: "Such sad news to wake up to this morning and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost their lives, and their families and to those who were injured in this despicable and terrible attack on innocent children and their families who were out having a night of fun at a music concert.

"I commend the bravery of those in the emergency services who ran towards danger to help and protect others.

"This was a cowardly attack and I would urge anyone who has any information on the attacker to contact the Police.

"I would also ask all community leaders of all nationalities and religious beliefs up and down the country to come together to help stamp out this evil, that has no place in our society."

The Liberal Democrats' Max Wilkinson reacted to the attack saying: "I know everyone in the area will be united in grief.

"In these difficult times, I hope we can all reflect on the fact that the cowards who carry out callous acts of terror, targeting innocent people, will not win.

"Our freedom, our unity and our democracy will prevail."

Green Party candidate Sarah Lunnon has said: ""The beauty and grandeur of Manchester has always resided in it's people.

"Stroud District Green Party has suspended it's campaign for today."

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley said: "Our thoughts are with those affected by this appalling incident in Manchester. For young people to be targeted in this way is utterly atrocious.

"As ever our emergency services have done us proud - and we pay tribute to the police, firefighters and paramadics who stepped up in this time of need.

"Our country will never be divided by terror. The people of Manchester showed last night just how strong the bond of friendship is between the people who live on these islands - and in the coming days and weeks we'll show that we won't let terrorism tear us apart."

Theresa May said in a statement outside of Downing Street: "We all, every single one of us, stand with the people of Manchester at this terrible time, and today let us remember those who died and let us celebrate those that helped, safe in the knowledge that the terrorists will never win, and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail."

All Stroud candidates have been contacted

More reaction to follow.