Scotland pays tribute to Manchester after 22 die in explosion at Ariana Grande concert

Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

PARTY leaders have expressed their deepest condolences for those affected by a serious incident last night at Manchester’s M.E.N arena.

The explosion left 22 people dead and 59 injured, many of which are said to be children. The attack is being treated as terror-related.

The SNP has suspended the launch of its General Election manifesto in Edinburgh on Tuesday as all parties have chosen not to continue campaigning as a mark of respect.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.

Heartbreaking news from Manchester. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or been injured in this barbaric attack.

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 23, 2017

“The Scottish Government is working with Police Scotland and the UK Government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.

“I will convene a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland.”

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “This is a barbaric and sickening attack, targeted at young and vulnerable people enjoying a night at a concert.

Statement from @scottishlabour leader @kezdugdale on the #manchester attack pic.twitter.com/6jv0z6WPmM

— Paris Gourtsoyannis (@thistlejohn) May 23, 2017

“It is a heartbreaking moment for our country, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and with those who are injured.

Ms Dugdale paid tribute to the emergency services involved in the response to the attack.

She added: “Across the UK we are today grieving for the people of Manchester. I pay tribute to the dedication of the brave emergency service workers who ran into danger.

“We have all been moved by the actions of ordinary people who opened their doors, cared for scared youngsters, provided transport to concert-goers, and are giving blood at donor banks to help those injured. This great city is today demonstrating to the world the true spirit of Manchester.

“As a mark of respect, Scottish Labour will be suspending all General Election campaigning today.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “I am horrified by the deaths and injuries in Manchester.

Horrified by deaths & injuries in Manchester. Thinking of families & friends of everyone affected. Our election campaign has been suspended.

— Willie Rennie (@willie_rennie) May 23, 2017

“My deepest sympathies are with the victims, and with families who have lost loved ones, as well as those desperately waiting for news.

“As a sign of respect, all General Election campaigning has been suspended.”

Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “This is devastating news and all my prayers go out today to the families of those who were killed and injured.

Dreadful news. Thoughts with those caught in the incident and first responders. https://t.co/DjX49PtajS

— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) May 22, 2017

“I can only imagine the pain they are feeling and their heartbreak is shared across the country.

“It goes without saying that our political campaigning will cease today.

“Terrorism has once against struck our country and, once again, we are faced with a sense of disbelief that someone could be capable of carrying out such an appalling act.

“We all stand with the people of Manchester.”

Scottish Green Party Co-Convener Patrick Harvie also spoke out via Twitter on the ‘horrific news’.

Horrific news to wake to. Deepest respect to everyone who steps up to help others in such times, from emergency services to passers by.

— Patrick Harvie ?? (@patrickharvie) May 23, 2017

Flags at Glasgow’s City Chambers and at the Scottish Parliament were flown at half mast on Tuesday morning as a mark of respect.

Glasgow Sends Heartfelt Sympathies to the People of Manchester https://t.co/A3pP6QJ1ld pic.twitter.com/eYX0k4qKkN

— Glasgow City Council (@GlasgowCC) May 23, 2017

Flags @ScotParl are flying at half mast as a mark of respect for the tragic events in #Manchester. pic.twitter.com/AsSCoY8BnT

— Scottish Parliament (@ScotParl) May 23, 2017

Sunday Post columnists Donald Macleod have both taken to social media to express to pay tribute to people affected in Manchester.

Truly sickened at what happened last night #manchesterarena our thoughts go to all who have lost loved ones and the injured @Garageglasgow

— Donald MacLeod (@DonaldCMacleod) May 23, 2017