Burnham: We are grieving today but the spirit of Manchester will prevail

This is the full speech delivered this morning by Andy Burnham, Manchester metro mayor, following last night’s terrorist attack.

After our darkest of nights, Manchester is today waking up to the most difficult of dawns.

It 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.

We are grieving today but we are strong.

Today it will be business as usual as far as possible in our great city.

I want to thank the hundreds of police, fire and ambulance staff who worked through the night in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

We have had messages of support from cities across the country and around the world and we thank them.

But lastly I want to thank the people of Manchester.

Even in the minutes after the attack, their opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger.

They gave the best possible immediate response to those who seek to divide us.

And it will be that spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together.