At least 22 people have been killed and 59 injured after a fatal blast at Manchester Arena last night which Islamic State have claimed responsibility for.

In Redbridge, Muslim leaders have united in condemning the attack and contacted the Recorder to share their sorrow at the horrific incident.

Election campaigning across the borough has been suspended and flags at Ilford Town Hall are flying at half-mast.

Secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain Harun Khan, who is also a trustee at Redbridge Islamic Centre, joined the national condemnations.

He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

“I understand teenagers and children have been caught up in what the police has confirmed to be a terrorist attack.

“This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.

“I pay tribute to the police and emergency services who have worked valiantly to save lives last night.

“They were helped by civilians who rushed into offer their support. I urge all those in the region and around the country to pool together to support those affected.”

Bashir Chaudhry, chairman of the League of British Muslims, based in Eton Road, Ilford, has said he “stands with the victims”.

“This is barbaric,” he told the Recorder.

“We have to work together to make sure these things do not happen again.

“I stand with those people who have lost loved ones, and I want them to understand we are fully behind them.

“We will help them get through the difficult period ahead.”

Mr Chaudhry said people of all religions must ensure the attack does not have an affect on June’s general election.

Earlier today the main parties suspended campaigning.

Mohamed Omer, from the Federation of Redbridge Muslim Association, said his thoughts are with the victims and families of the horrrific attack.

He said: “It goes without saying that FORMO condemns the atrocity committed last night in Manchester. It is beyond comprehension that someone can contemplate let alone carry out such an evil act. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have tragically lost their loved ones and also with the families of those who were injured.

“We pray that may they be given full recovery.”