EPPING Forest District Council have given their condolences to families affected by the Manchester attack.

More than 20 people were killed and 59 injured after a bomb exploded at an Arianna Grande concert in Manchester last night.

Politicians around the country have paid their respects to victims of the blast, and have paused campaigning for 24 hours.

The leader of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Chris Whitbread, said: “Everyone is shocked by this dreadful attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. It is also important at this time to pay tribute to the men and women of our emergency services.”

A minute silence will be held at the full council meeting on Thursday, May 25.

Chairman, Jeane Lea, said: “It will be the first meeting since the local elections in May and the last of my year as I hand over to a new Chairman. It is always a special meeting but I feel this year will hold greater significance as everyone stands in silence to remember the children of this crime in particular.”

“As a council and as a district, people of all the political groups across our council chamber stand together in support of decency, freedom and democracy.”