The Queen praises the people of Manchester for their response to Monday’s attack

The Queen has praised the people of Manchester for their response to the incident at the Manchester Arena on Monday night in which 22 people lost their lives.

Described by Theresa May as an 'appalling, sickening, terrorist attack', a lone male suicide attacker is understood to have detonated a homemade bomb in the concert venue's foyer at 22:33 on Monday night - minutes after the end of a concert by US singer, Ariana Grande. As well as those that are known to have died, a further 59 are being treated for injuries. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the Queen expressed her sympathy to those affected and thanked emergency services for their response. Finally, she expresses her admiration for the people of Manchester and their response to what she describes as an 'act of barbarity'. The full statement follows:

'The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert. I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured. I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care. And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.'