THE?police and crime commissioner for Hampshire has extended the county’s condolences to the people of Manchester after 22 people were killed when a suicide bomber targeted an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

Scores more people were hurt as a bomb was detonated in the foyer of the Manchester Arena as concertgoers, many of whom were young, were leaving the building.

In a statement on Tuesday, by which time it was known that so-called Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the terror attack which had left 22 dead – including an eight-year-old child – and 59 injured, Michael Lane said: “My thoughts and prayers are with, and for, all the people of Manchester and all the attendees and families of those involved in the terror of last evening.

“There can be no excuse or sense behind this vile criminal action.

“I would like to echo the early words of the Prime Minister and Home Secretary – that the public should stay vigilant, being alert but not alarmed.

“And I would like to reinforce the many words of respect for the emergency services and the community response to this tragic event in Manchester.”

He continued: “As police and crime commissioner, I know from my job that we are blessed to have brave, prepared and professional emergency services visibly responding.

“And also behind the scenes a large number of people working with the common purpose to protect us, to prevent actions such as this and to build vibrant positive communities where the seeds of such evil do not flourish.”

Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney outlined Hampshire’s security plans.

“We have reviewed, and will continue to review, our security plans and capability, including around all pre-planned events taking place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the coming weeks. It is normal procedure for us to work with event organisers in the run up to all large-scale events to ensure they can run these safely and securely.

“We will also continue to link in with our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police, the National Police Chiefs Council, and the South East Counter Terrorism Unit.”

She added: “I urge the community to remain alert but not alarmed. We, together with our partners, are doing everything we can to help protect the public, the security of our communities, public places and businesses. Specialist teams, well-rehearsed at dealing with major incidents, continue to provide a strong visible presence across the UK.

“We advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789321, or in an emergency the public should always call 999.”

As the national threat level was raised to “critical” on Wednesday morning, Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Pearson added: “As part of the national plans in relation to the move to critical, the public should not be surprised to see additional police officers, including armed officers, in busy locations in Hampshire such as train stations and shopping centres.”

Campaigning for the General Election was temporarily suspended as a mark of respect for the victims of the Manchester bombing, including the cancellation on Wednesday night of a four-way debate at Churcher’s College in Petersfield for East Hampshire candidates.

The canidates are looking to reschedule a hustings in Alton next Wednesday, May 31.

Described by Theresa May as “a callous terrorist attack”, it was the worst such atrocity to hit Britain since the July 2005 suicide bomb attacks in central London in which 52 people were killed and came four years to the day after Lee Rigby was murdered by Muslim extremists.

* Manchester City Council, in partnership with the British Red Cross, have launched an appeal for people affected by the devastating attack in Manchester.

The fund will support people who have been injured or bereaved by the attack. The donations will help alleviate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.

The British Red Cross has kicked off the appeal with a £50,000 donation from its Disaster Fund.

To donate, visit redcross.org.uk/manchester. Alternatively, visit justgiving.com/welovemcr or call 0300 4564999.