St Albans City and District Council will be flying its flags at half-mast on the Alban Arena Civic Centre today as a mark of respect to those who died in last night's horrific terrorist attack in Manchester.

Twenty two people, including several children, died in what police have now said was an attack by a suicide bomber at the Manchester Arena.

Another 59 people were injured in the explosion which happened at 10.33pm last night at an Ariana Grande concert.

More than 20,000 people, mainly young people and children, were at the event.

The Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Frances Leonard, said: “Our thoughts are with the families affected by the dreadful bomb attack at the Manchester Arena last night and we offer them our deepest sympathies.

"We stand together with the people of Manchester at this sad and difficult time.

"As a sign of respect, we have lowered the city flag that flies in the centre of St Albans to half-mast.”