GEOFFREY Clifton-Brown and fellow Cotswold parliamentary candidates said they were shocked and saddened by news of the terrorist explosion in Manchester that killed 22 people. 

The explosion at Manchester Arena happened, which happened at 10.33pm last night shortly after US pop singer Ariana Grande's concert ended, killed 22 people, including children and the suicide bomber. 59 people were also injured.

Mr Clifton-Brown (Conservative), who is standing for re-election as Cotswold MP, sent his deepest sympathies to all families who are affected by the attack. 

He said: "This is terrible news and I send my deepest sympathies to all of the families who are affected.

"It’s a shocking thing to have happened and I know everybody in Manchester will be doing all they can to help the victims and the families."

He said he first heard of the news late last night while watching Newsnight but did not hear of further news until early this morning. 

He said: "I was watching Newsnight last night and at the end of Newsnight, the commentator said there was breaking news about reports of an explosion and deaths.

"I was almost asleep at that point and I didn’t get much further news until this morning.

"We got more details and were alerted, quite rightly so, that all campaigning would be suspended today so we can commiserate with the victims. 

"Every day, my campaign is to go to 12 villages or towns and that has all been cancelled until further notice."

Having been at Westminster during another terror attack in March where a car drove into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before the driver stabbed a police officer, Mr Clifton-Brown said: "Of course, it brings it back into sharp contrast."

Following news of the attack which resulted in multiple deaths, Theresa May and leaders of other political parties have suspended campaigning for the General Election.

Liberal Democrat candidate for the Cotswolds, Andrew Gant, said he was "deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless event".

He said: "No ideology can justify such cruelty. Thoughts are with the families and there is admiration for the heroic gestures of the emergency services.

"I, along with my party, have suspended campaigning today."

Mr Gant first heard about the incident after he returned home from the election hustings in Wotton-under-Edge. 

He said: "It makes you think about the poor families whose children went out and senselessly lost their lives and are not coming back."

Labour candidate Mark Huband described the Manchester attack as "truly ghastly".

He added: "The most vulnerable children who had gone out to have a good time became the latest victims of what seems to be part of a global terrorist campaign."

Chris Harlow said in a statement: My thoughts are with all those affected by yesterday’s tragic events in Manchester.

"I was extremely heartened to hear of those Mancunians and others whose first reaction was to help the victims – by offering accommodation, help, lifts and reassurance.

"And, as always on such occasions, we should be grateful for the professionalism and quality of our police and emergency services.

"We should concentrate our feelings on those bereaved and injured, and those who helped, rather than on the disturbed minds who planned and perpetrated this attack.

"UKIP will be suspending campaigning as a mark of respect."

As the Green Party representative for the Cotswolds, Sabrina Poole said: "My thoughts are with the victims and their families."

Gloucestershire Police also said that they are looking to fully establish the situation in Gloucestershire and the potential threat to the people who live, work or visit the area.

Assistant Chief Constable Julian Moss, who is leading the force’s response, said that people should not worry: “At this moment there is no information to indicate any direct threat to Gloucestershire and it is important people that go about their daily lives.

"However, we are asking everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity via the anti-terror hotline 0800 789321 or dial 999.

“We have offered support to Greater Manchester Police overnight and will be providing specialist resources to aid their response to the incident should they require it.”

Chief Constable Rod Hansen commented: “Our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the events in Manchester last night. Today, the flag at Police Headquarters is flying at half-mast as a sign of respect.

“Our support goes out to our colleagues in GMP during this very difficult and demanding time but we have absolute faith in them to uphold the finest traditions of their force and of British policing.

“As Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has said, terrorists attempt to disrupt our lives and create distrust and fear in communities. It is vital we stand together to ensure this doesn’t happen.”