Borough stands in solidarity with Manchester

An explosion at the Manchester Arena on Monday night has left 22 dead and 59 injured, many of the victims are thought to be children.

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed the attack was the work of a suicide bomber.

Wigan Council said a period of remembrance will take place at 11am this morning outside the Life Centre.

With many waking up learning of the horror of the previous night, mayor Andy Burnham has said "we are grieving today but we are strong."

He added: "It is is hard to believe what has happened here in the last few hours and to put into words the shock, anger and hurt that we feel today.

"These were children, young people and their families that those responsible chose to terrorise and kill. This was an evil act.

"Our first thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured and we will do whatever we can to support them."

Council leader Lord Smith told Wigan Today: "Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those sadly killed and our thoughts and prayers go to those who have been injured.

"The outrage should not be allowed to change our way of life and we should feel gratitude to the caring responses of the public in the immediate aftermath.

"I also want to praise the quick reaction of the emergency services and to medical staff who are treating the injured across eight Greater Manchester hospitals.

"Our City will emerge stronger from this cowardly terrorist attack with our values of community and caring undiminished."