London has been reacting to the suspected terrorism blast in Manchester which has claimed the lives of at least 22 people .

Mayor Sadiq Khan said the city “stands with Manchester”, while Met Police chief Cressida Dick called it an “ utterly appalling attack ”.

Campaigning for the General Election has been suspended, with many of the west London incumbents tweeting their horror at scenes witnessed at the Manchester Arena.

Scene after an explosion at the Manchester Arena

The explosion at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday May 22 night has also injured 59 others. Police say children are among the dead.

It is currently being treated as an act of terror.

At Hammersmith Town Hall, flags are flying at half mast on Tuesday May 23 morning.

Ms Dick praised the emergency services who showed “huge bravery as they ran towards the confusion and danger” and said the Met was “providing every possible support through the counter terrorism network” as investigators piece together what happened.

Flags fly at half mast on Hammersmith Town Hall following the events at the Manchester Arena on Monday (May 22) night

More police would also be patrolling the streets of London, she added.

Writing on Facebook about the "sickening attack", Mr Khan said: "This was a cowardly act of terrorism that targeted a concert attended by thousands of children and young people.

"My heart goes out to the victims, their families and everybody affected."

He praised emergency services and said security arrangement were being reviewed in the capital.

He added: "Manchester and the rest of Britain will never be cowed by terrorism.

"Those who want to destroy our way of life and divide us will never succeed."

Andy Slaughter, hoping to be re-elected as MP in Hammersmith, described the blast as a “senseless barbaric act”.

He added: “Message to everyone who’s been helping our campaign in Hammersmith: all activity suspended until further notice following Manchester tragedy.”

Chelsea and Fulham MP candidate, Greg Hands, said: “Simply horrible. Thoughts and prayers with the innocent victims, families & friends. And the emergency services.”

Virendra Sharma, for Ealing Southall, said: “After the terrible news from Manchester we have stopped all campaigning for the day. Today is a day for reflection and compassion.”

John McDonnell said: “Thoughts go to families caught up in distressing scenes in Manchester & to emergency services & wonderful people already rallying to assist.”

Writing on Facebook, Feltham and Heston candidate, Seema Malhotra said: “This attack has sought to create fear in our communities and cities, but the people of Manchester of all faiths and backgrounds are united in their darkest hour.

“They have shown that we will not be cowed by such evil, that we will not be divided.

“We stand with them.”

Flags were also flying at half mast at the Civic Centre in Hounslow.

Council leader Steve Curran said: "This is another senseless attack, but we must all stand together as one community in the face of adversity."

Away from politics, London Fire Brigade tweeted: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the #Manchesterblast & to all the emergency services including @manchesterfire who went to help.”

London Ambulance Service added: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident in #Manchester and the emergency services who rushed to help including @NWAmbulance.”

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