A TOP Keighley politician this morning branded the bomb blast at Manchester Arena as a “cowardly terrorist attack.”

Kris Hopkins, the town’s MP for the past few years, said he shared the deep sense of shock and absolute horror felt across the community following last night’s incident.

Mr Hopkins, who is again standing for the Conservatives in next month’s general election, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were lost and with the many other victims who were injured.”

Mr Hopkins spoke after least 22 people were killed at a pop concert by chart-topper Ariana Grande  at Manchester Arena. Concert-goers from across the district, including children, were among those caught-up in the explosion.

John Grogan, Labour's Keighley Parliamentary candidate, said the local party had suspended all political campaigning out of respect for  those killed in the atrocity.

"Many people who live in Keighley constituency are frequent visitors to Manchester and many have visited the arena for concerts or for sporting events," he added.

"All our thoughts and prayers today are with the people of this great Northern city."

The Rev Mike Cansdale, rector of Keighley’s United Parish, has invited local people to go along to Keighley Shared Church today any time between 11am and 1pm for prayer and to light a candle for all victims of terror.

Police have confirmed that at least 22 people have died and 50 have been injured in the blast near the arena's foyer.

An emergency number has been set up for those affected by the explosion, or those concerned about friends and relatives. It is 0161 8569400.

In a statement released just after 1am, Greater Manchester Police said: "Just before 10.35pm on Monday 22 May 2017, police were called to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena.

"So far at least 19 people have been confirmed dead, with around 50 others injured.

"This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise."

Mr Hopkins said: “Sadly, Manchester is no stranger to dealing with the ravages of terrorism, most notably following the devastating IRA bomb attack in the city centre almost 21 years ago.

“The vermin behind this attack must be hunted down by all means necessary. They have nothing to offer this world but death, destruction and division. 

“My General Election campaign has been suspended until further notice.

“As a Northern Ireland Office Minister, I will be doing all I can to support ministerial colleagues across Government in dealing with the situation as it develops.”

Keighley town councillor Andrea Walker, who was born in Manchester and whose father was a councillor in this city, said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Manchester.

“Why would anyone do this to Manchester? It was just a concert for God’s sake. They had it in 1996 with the IRA, and now 20 years later this as well.”

The Keighley-based STAR Youth Project tweeted: “All thoughts and prayers with all caught up in the horrendous events in Manchester last night. #WeStandTogether.”

Keighley councillor Abid Hussain, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, this morning issued a joint statement with council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe and chief executive Kersten England.

They said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by last night's terrible incident at Manchester Arena, which is believed to be a terrorist attack. We are aware that a number of people from our district are among the injured and we wish them a swift and full recovery.

"The Union Flag on City Hall has been lowered as a mark of respect, in line with all government buildings across the country.

"The Council will continue to plan and work with all its partners, including West Yorkshire Police, to ensure that the Bradford district remains safe and vigilant in the face of any threat of terrorism."

Cllr Hussain, who represents Keighley Central ward on Bradford Council, added: “I condemn this activity in Manchester. Our thoughts and condolences are with the people who lost their lives and those who have been injured.

“I will pray for their recovery. We are all united in this, we do not want any attacks taking place in the United Kingdom."

Worth Valley ward councillor Rebecca Poulsen wrote on Facebook: “So many children and young people affected last night in Manchester. My thoughts go out to them and their families.”

The Muslim Women’s Council, which works across Bradford district, said its members were shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific news of the Manchester attacks.

A statement issued on Tuesday the council, said: “We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the twenty-two individuals who lost their lives. We vehemently condemn an attack which police have said is a terrorist incident. 

“From the taxi-drivers, the people who offered their homes to stranded concert-goers, to the hundreds of police, fire, and ambulance staff who worked tirelessly through the night, the overwhelming compassion and resilience displayed by these everyday heroes is the very best reflection of our country. 

“Whatever the intentions of the perpetrator who committed this heinous act, we cannot let them succeed in dividing us.

“We grieve for those who have died and for those who are injured, but we are also incredibly concerned that some communities may face retaliation following this attack.

“Emotions will be running high, but it is of utmost importance that we do not give in to the binary of “us” and “them” by associating entire communities with the acts of an individual.

“As much as we are in turmoil over what has happened, the media, public figures and the wider community must be measured in their responses.

“Now is a time not to politicise and stoke the fires of division, but to pray for those who have lost their lives, show solidarity with their families, and display compassion to all, regardless of faith or race.”

West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said that his thoughts were with the victims and families of those affected by the Manchester bombing on Monday evening. 

He said: "I want to say how sorry I am and my condolences to those caught up in this awful situation.

"I am aware that people from West Yorkshire may have been at that concert and my thoughts are with those families that may have had loved ones over in Manchester last night.

"Public safety remains our top priority and we are working with partners to keep our communities safe.

"There will be an increased police presence, including patrols and armed officers, around key locations across West Yorkshire, including transport hubs.

"West Yorkshire Police are also providing practical support to Greater Manchester Police in such tragic and terrible times.

"We cannot let people who want to cause harm dictate how we live and work and I want to reassure people in West Yorkshire that their public safety remains our top priority.

"If anyone has any concerns I would urge them to ring the anti-terror hotline on 0800 789 321 but in an emergency ring 999."

At about 3am, Greater Manchester Police's chief constable Ian Hopkins, speaking outside the force's headquarters, said the wounded were being treated at six hospitals across Greater Manchester.

Emergency services were scrambled to the scene.

Manchester Arena said the explosion happened "outside the venue in a public space".

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims," it said.

At 1.32am, a controlled explosion was carried out in nearby Cathedral Gardens on a second suspect item. About 15 minutes later, police said the item was not a device and may have been discarded clothing.

Earlier, witnesses said they heard two loud bangs inside the arena.

Manchester's Victoria station, which backs onto the arena, has been evacuated and all trains cancelled.

Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said he was horrified at the incident.

He said: "Awful news coming in from Manchester Arena. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected and for the emergency services at the scene."