World leaders stand shoulder to shoulder with the UK

Leaders from around the world condemned the terror attack at a Manchester music concert and offered their condolences to the victims.

US President Donald Trump assured Theresa May of America’s “unbreakable commitment” to the UK and offered US assistance in the investigation into the outrage.

The call came shortly after the president branded those responsible for the Manchester attack “evil losers”.

The president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said in a letter to Mrs May: “It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instil fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration.”

German chancellor Angela Merkel said: “This suspected terrorist attack will only strengthen our resolve to continue to take joint action with our British friends against those who plan and carry out inhuman acts like this.” She said her message to the people of the UK was that “Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with you.” French president Emmanuel Macron said: “After last night’s attack in Manchester, it is clearly all of Europe – all of free Europe – that has been attacked.”

Pope Francis said he “was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the barbaric attack in Manchester”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “We strongly condemn this cynical and heinous crime. We expect that its masterminds will not be able to avoid the punishment they deserve.”

China’s Xinhua news agency reported that President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message to the Queen expressing “deep sorrow to the innocent victims”.

Australia’s prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said: “This incident, this attack, is especially vile, especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Pained by the attack in Manchester. We strongly condemn it.”

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight.

“Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts.”

Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said: “My thoughts are with all those affected, their loved ones and the people of Manchester and the UK.

“All Nato allies stand united in the fight against terrorism and in defence of our open societies.”

This suspected terrorist attack will only strengthen our resolve. ANGELA MERKEL

Pictures: Getty Images/AP. Top: the Queen and Prince Phillip observe a minute’s silence at the start of yesterday’s garden party at Buckingham Palace. Above left: US President Donald Trump phoned Theresa May to offer his condolences and help with the investigation should it be...