PEOPLE across Redditch came together this week to express sympathy, solidarity and support for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

The bombing at American pop star Ariana Grande’s concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday, May 22 claimed 22 lives, with children among the dead, at least 120 were also injured in the blast.

Following the attack, Redditch Council lowered the flag at the town hall to half-mast as a sign of respect.

The town's new mayor Jennifer Wheeler also wrote to the mayor of Manchester sending sympathies on behalf of the borough.

On Wednesday St Stephen's Church in Church Green West open up its doors to welcome residents for a gathering.

There was no church service just peaceful and appropriate music, and a book of condolence was opened.

Council Leader Bill Hartnett spoke of a "united Redditch", the town's annual faith and diversity walk, the lowering of the flag and said why terrorism will not win.

"We will stand together united on the side of decency," he said.

"Tonight was a chance to come together for quite reflection to express condolences and sympathies."

Several faiths were represented and spoke expressing sympathies and the heart-breaking tragic senseless loss.

It is believed a number of residents from Redditch were in the arena but thankfully were not hurt.

On Friday, the Redditch Muslim community held a gathering at Redditch Mosque with prayers and speeches.

A large multi-ethnic crowd gathered outside of the mosque to join together to condemn the terror attack.

Speaking at the event, Muhammad Rehman (Imam), from Redditch Central Mosque, said: "I would like to thank you all for standing here with me today, to show our support to all the victims of Monday’s terror attack in Manchester.

"Our thoughts are with the families of those, who have sadly lost their loved ones in this barbaric and cowardly act.

"Islam denounces all forms of terrorism. Those who carry out such acts are not from Islam.

"We the people of Redditch and across the world shall stand united, as one, in solitary to defeat ISIS and their ideology – or any organisation for that matter, who execute these attacks taking the lives of innocent people.

"Together we need to understand and revive Islam, mainstream Sunni Islam. Islam of the four madhhabs (schools of thought) that encourage love, peace and unity. A religion that promotes Sufism not extremism."

Cllr Wheeler also spoke about how "terrible" the attack had been.

Cllr Hartnett added that it had been "tragic week" for not only the UK but the world, with so many young, innocent lives being lost.