A MINUTE'S silence was observed outside Worcester Police Station, and across the city, to remember the victims of the Manchester concert suicide bombing.

 

Twenty-two people were killed and 64 injured after suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a homemade device at Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert on Monday.

 

There was a large gathering outside the station, in Castle Street, on Thursday morning - at one point traffic stopping so that everyone could pause and remember the victims.

 

A sombre mood descended on Worcester as police and civilian staff fell silent at 11am and afterwards Superintendent Kevin Purcell, West Mercia's policing commander for South Worcestershire, along with Haris Saleem, chairman of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, and Labour Councillor Jabba Riaz spoke to those gathered.

 

Speaking to the Worcester News Mr Saleem said: "Today is about remembering the victims.

 

"We want to show the people of Worcester that we are concerned as anyone about terrorism.

 

"All the Muslims of Worcester are like a family, we are peaceful and loving.

 

"I'm honoured to be about to represent them here today."

 

Supt Purcell said that it was not about establishing relationships, as there already an excellent one in the area between the police and the Muslim community.

 

"We work close together to maintain the excellent relationship, and to renew this good relationship," he added.

 

Cllr Riaz, who was recently elected deputy Mayor of Worcester, said: "We only want to strengthen this relationship.

 

"We love this city, and are a part of the fabric of it.

 

"Are thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."

 

Staff from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also observed a minute of silence this morning in memory of the people who had lost their lives in the recent Manchester terrorist attack.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Hodges said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone who has been affected by this horrific and senseless attack.

 

“We would like to reassure the public that we are continuing to work closely with our partners to do everything we possibly can to protect our communities.

 

“Although we are not aware of any intelligence to suggest that there is specific threat in Herefordshire or Worcestershire at this time, we would advise members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321 or in an emergency always call 999.”

 

The national Stay Safe guidance provides advice on what to do if you are caught up in a firearms or weapons attack. They advise people to 'Run, Hide, Tell', which means run to a place of safety, hide in a secure place, when it's safe to do so, tell police by calling 999."

 

For further information about reporting suspicious behaviour please visit

https://act.campaign.gov.uk/