ST HELENS people have been sending message of love and support following the attack on the Manchester Arena which has killed 22 people, including children.

A suicide bomber struck as fans were leaving a pop concert in Manchester.

Some 59 people were also injured when the blast caused by an improvised explosive device carried by the attacker following the Ariana Grande concert.

Many people woke up to the horrifying news this morning.

Violet-Grace's dad Glenn Youens, who lost his four-year-old daughter in tragic circumstances in March, said:

St Helens Star:

Gareth Stephen Fairclough-Speed: "This is sad! God bless them all and St Helens sends our love to the victims and those injured."

Sandra Jones: "The death toll has gone up to 22 now, including children.😢. Shocked and saddened beyond belief. Thoughts with all those who are missing a loved one today."

The town hall flag is flying at half mast and a book of condolence to the victims will be opened in the civic building.

MP for St Helens North Conor McGinn said: 

St Helens Star:

Writing on Twitter, St Helens Councillor Gill Neal wrote: "Thoughts and prayers with everyone in Manchester last night. Rest in peace babies."

Steve Rotheram, the city region mayor, said: "All my thoughts go out to those parents waiting to har of the safety of their children. It's a parent's worst nightmare. So, so sad." 

Announcing that the death toll had risen, Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said: “What I can confirm is that there are children among the deceased.”

He said: “This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.

“Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives.

“Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones.

“We continue to do all we can to support them.”

Mr Hopkins said a “fast-moving investigation” had established the attack was conducted by one man, although detectives are working to establish if he was “was acting alone or as part of a network”.