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23rd May 2017

Leaders from around the world offer support to Manchester following terrorist attack

Solidarity

Evan Fanning

Defiant.

Twenty-two people have died following an attack as cowardly as it was horrific as crowds left the Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

A further 59 people are in eight different hospitals in the area after what is the largest terrorist attack in the United Kingdom in over a decade.

The people of Manchester stood firm despite the devastation unfolding around them – people offered their homes to anyone stranded, taxi drivers waived their fee to help people get away from the scene, and hotels offered free board for those affected.

Leaders throughout the world have been sending messages of support to everyone affected by the attack.

And the overriding message from Angela Merkel to Vladimir Putin is the same: that fear and terrorism will not triumph.

Here is what a selection of world leaders have had to say:

Donald Trump, President of the United States

Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

“This suspected terrorist attack will only strengthen our resolve to work with our British friends against those who plan and execute such inhuman acts. I assure the people in Britain: Germany stands by your side.”

Emmanuel Macron, French President.

“I learnt with horror and shock about the attack that occurred yesterday evening.

“The people of France stand side-by-side the people of Britain in this period of mourning, with a particular thought for the victims and their families.

Bill De Blasio, New York mayor

“Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the first responders in Manchester. The NYPD is closely monitoring the situation.”

Vladimir Putin, Russian President

“We strongly condemn this cynical, inhumane crime. We hope that its masterminds will not escape the punishment they deserve.

Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission

It was with great sadness and profound shock that I learnt of the brutal attack that struck Manchester.

“It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instil fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration.

“I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Prime Minister May and to the British people.

“Today we mourn with you. Tomorrow we will work side by side with you to fight back against those who seek to destroy our way of life. They underestimate ours and your resilience – these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our commitment to work together to defeat the perpetrators of such vile acts.

Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Prime Minister

“This incident, this attack, is especially vile, especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers.

“This is an attack on innocents. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children. This is a direct and brutal attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Too often we stand in this chamber offering our sympathy and support … once again Australia stands with Britain in resolute solidarity. Partners in freedom’s cause. Our nations will never give into terror,” he added.