THE people of South Gloucestershire have reacted to the news of the Manchester terror attack with messages of shock and sadness.

Children are among the 22 people killed as a result of a suicide attack that took place at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena last night.

Theresa May has since announced that police believe they know the identity of the attacker, and a 23-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident.

As news of the tragedy broke this morning, South Gloucestershire residents took to social media to share their messages of solidarity and support.

Many people spoke of their shock and horror, while others shared prayers and messages of support for those affected by the tragedy.

Thornbury Mayor Helen Harrison told the Gazette: "The attack in Manchester last night was a horrific and senseless act, targeting innocent children and adults who were just out enjoying a special night with friends and families.

"Words cannot express the awfulness of it for those involved, and my heart goes out to all of those impacted in any way.

"The stories of individual acts of selflessness, kindness and opening up of homes and hearts to those who were involved in the attack are so heartening to read."

Avon and Somerset Police tweeted: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the events in Manchester last night and our colleagues @gmpolice #standtogether.”

While Sue Mountstevens, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, tweeted: “There are no words #Manchester.”

All general election campaigning has been cancelled for the day, including a hustings that was scheduled to take place at Winterbourne International Academy this evening.

Politicians from across the region have since expressed their sorrow at the news.

Luke Hall, Conservative candidate for Thornbury and Yate, said that his thoughts and prayers were with the victims, friends and families of everybody affected in the attack.

He added: “Once again we must pay thanks to our incredible emergency services who have responded with excellence and professionalism working tirelessly through the night to help people in need."    

Meanwhile, Claire Young, Liberal Democrat candidate for Thornbury and Yate, tweeted: "Horrified by the news from Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected."

She told the Gazette: "At difficult times like this, it is heartening to hear the many tales of people reaching out to help those caught up in the attack.

"Their kind-heartedness and decency gives us hope in the face of those who would spread fear and division."

The leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Matthew Riddle, described the terror attack as "shocking and a complete waste of life" and said that "targeting young teenagers is particularly awful."

Meanwhile, Naomi Rylatt, Labour candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke, said: "We are all shocked by this cowardly attack on families and friends who were just out to have a nice evening and enjoy some good music."

Jack Lopresti, Conservative Candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke, urged people to "remain united as communities, as a county and as compassionate, decent people in the face of such evil".

He added: “We must also be resolute in our determination to defeat and destroy Islamic Terrorism to protect our freedoms and our way of life.”

All of the candidates for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency and the Thornbury and Yate constituency have been approached for comment by the Gazette.