THE country is in mourning today after 22 people were killed and 59 injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Manchester last night.
Authorities and groups across Essex have spoken out to pay their respects to victims and General Election campaigning has been postponed.
Bedfordshire Police, which leads on counter terrorism in the eastern region covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, said it is looking at whether security measures need to be stepped up.
Policing operations for crowded places are being reviewed and additional reassurance patrols will be carried out in town centre locations.
Bedfordshire Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "I will never tire of reminding everyone, including our partners and our communities that if they see something that concerns them regarding a potential terrorism threat that they should say something."
Councils across the county have lowered their flags to half mast in honour of the people killed and injured in the attack.
Our flags are flying at half mast today in honour of those killed or injured in the #Manchester terror attack. #StandTogether pic.twitter.com/8SpTa1iVO0
— Essex County Council (@Essex_CC) May 23, 2017
Southend's Big Screen shows a simple poignant message.
Southend's Big Screen at The Forum today. pic.twitter.com/Ot5yehalXV
— Your Southend (@YourSouthend) May 23, 2017
Basildon Council and Braintree Council tweeted about the town's solidarity with Manchester, using the hashtag #WeStandTogether.
Our flags are lowered as a mark of respect & solidarity with the people of Manchester following last night's tragic events #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/fYqn829ABV
— Basildon Council (@BasildonCouncil) May 23, 2017
Our thoughts are with those in #Manchester. #StandTogether pic.twitter.com/MOuPCzlikA
— Braintree D. Council (@BraintreeDC) May 23, 2017
A Basildon Council spokesman said: "Our flags are lowered today as a mark of respect and solidarity with the people of Manchester following last night's tragic events.
"Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected."
Deputy leader of Colchester Council, Tim Young, has confirmed that he, Mayor Julie Young, council leader Paul Smith and chief executive Adrian Pritchard would send a message of support to the city.
I have just agreed with the Mayor Leader & CE of @yourcolchester to send a message of support to Manchester. Our flags are at half mast.
— Tim Young (@Tim4Labour) May 23, 2017
Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service tweeted their praise for colleagues and other emergency services who helped in the aftermath of last night's attack.
Our thoughts & support are with people of #Manchester today & with colleagues @gmpolice & all emergency services doing so much to help
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) May 23, 2017
Our thoughts today are with the people of #Manchester, including the victims, families and our colleagues in the emergency services.
— Essex Fire Service (@ECFRS) May 23, 2017
Parties have pledged to stop campaigning today ahead of the upcoming General Election and a hustings event in Colchester has been replaced with a prayer meeting.
Southend's Cliffs Pavilion has confirmed that Al Murray will still be performing his Let's Go Backwards Together show tonight.
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