UPDATE: Hospital staff praised for actions during terrorist attack

Chiefs at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh stood down the "major incident" at around 5.30am this morning after hours of treating casualties following an explosion at Manchester Arena.

The attack, caused by a suicide bomber, has left 22 people dead and many more injured.

A senior manager at the hospital said: "We had a fantastic response from our senior clinicians and an appropriate and very full response from all support staff and services, some came in as soon as they heard the news. A number of our staff volunteered to help in A&E where there was a need to do so. I cannot speak highly enough of the response and organisation of the staff."

Members of public are being advised that although the hospital is no longer calling a major incident, the emergency department remains "extremely busy" and all non-urgent medical issues should be dealt with away from the infirmary where possible.

Wigan Borough CCG has also thanked staff and members of the public for their ongoing help during this time.

The authority tweeted: "Such gratitude for emergency staff and ordinary people for their acts of bravery and kindness in #Manchester last night."