Leaders in the UK and from around the world have united in condemning the Manchester attack on Tuesday as campaigning for the General Election has been suspended.

The explosion has already been confirmed as an act of terror in which civilians, mainly young people, were deliberately targeted.

Prime Minister Theresa May chaired on Tuesday an emergency meeting of the country's senior security chiefs and ministers at 10 Downing Street, the PM's official residence.

VCG Photo

Some of the children attending an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena, where an explosive device went off, were as young as eight. Twenty-two people were killed, and 59 others injured in the carnage, which was denounced by politicians across the board, from Europe and beyond.

“It is inconceivable that someone uses a cheerful pop concert to kill so many young people and cause serious injuries to them. My deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families,” said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her sympathy to all who have been affected by the Manchester attack. /CGTN Screenshot

“So many beautiful innocent people living and enjoying their lives, murdered by evil losers in life,” said US President Donald Trump.

“This attack is especially vile, especially criminal, and especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers,” Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated.

US President Donald Trump condemned the attack. /CGTN Screenshot

The Manchester outrage has brought political life in the UK to a standstill. Campaigning for the General Election, slated for June 8, is now on hold as the country draws breath and grieves for the innocent lives that were lost.