Manchester attack - church leaders appeal for prayer

In the wake of last night’s devastating bomb attack on Manchester Arena, church leaders' have appealed for prayers.

In messages on the Diocese of Salford Twitter feed, Bishop John Arnold writes: “The citizens of Manchester & members of the Catholic community are united in condemning the attack on the crowds at the Arena.”

“Such an attack that can have no justification. I thank the emergency services for their prompt and speedy response which saved lives.”

“We join in prayer for all those who have died and for the injured and their families and all affected by this tragedy.”

The Anglican Bishop of Manchester Rt Rev David Walker told Premier Radio: "At times of like this, prayer is one way in which we can pour out to God our grief but also go to God to rekindle our hope that we live in a world for which Jesus died and rose again. Nothing, no matter how many killed or injured in a blast can take that central truth away."