RELIGIOUS leaders in Salisbury have united to condemn the "evil" and "murderous" terror attack in Manchester on Monday.

The Bishop of Salisbury and representatives of the city's Muslim community spoke with one voice as they rejected the violence and called for "love compassion and reconciliation".

In a joint statement The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Rashid Ullah, chairman of the Muslim Association of Salisbury

and Atiqul Hoque said: “The murderous attack on innocent young people that we have seen in Manchester fills us with horror. We utterly condemn this evil act which is intended to cause an increase in fear, hatred and division in our country and its communities.

“We offer our deep condolences to all who have suffered bereavement, injury and trauma and we pray for their healing in body and mind.

“We commit ourselves to reject absolutely this violence and hatred and the motivation that lies behind it, and we call upon all people to do the same daily by words and actions of love, compassion and reconciliation.”

In a statement, Wiltshire Police said the force was "saddened by the appalling events".

"This devastating attack, which has claimed the lives of 22 people, including children, and has left 59 injured, is absolutely shocking.

"We want to reassure the people of Wiltshire and Swindon that we work tirelessly to make sure that this remains a safe place to live, but we do need information from the public."

We must all remain vigilant and alert and ask that you report anything suspicious to the confidential hotline on 0800 789 321 or dial 999 in an emergency. For further information about reporting suspicious.

Emergency services say 22 people were killed and 59 injured in the blast at Manchester Arena.

The attack was carried out by a lone male suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device.

Security services believe he was 22-year-old Salman Abedi and are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a network.

A 23-year-old has been arrested in South Manchester in connection with the incident.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Speaking after chairing a Cobra meeting on Tuesday Morning Prime Minister Theresa May said the attack was “among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom”.

It is the worst terrorist attack in the UK since 56 people were killed in the 7/7 London bombings in 2005.

The explosion took place at Manchester Arena as people began streaming from the doors after a show by American singer Ariana Grande.