PEOPLE across Wales have today shown solidarity and support for the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester last night.

A vigil was held outside the Senedd this afternoon, which saw politicians and faith leaders speak about the importance of togetherness in the wake of Monday’s tragedy.

And, speaking in the Senedd earlier in the day, first minister Carwyn Jones said Wales stood in solidarity with those who had been affected by the attack and paid tribute to emergency services workers and others who had worked in its aftermath.

“There is a particular cruelty at work in this act directed as it was towards teenagers coming out of a concert,” he said.

“It is difficult to imagine an act more appalling and more senseless.”

Mr Jones also said he was confident security arrangements for the Champions League final on Saturday, June 3, which will be held in Cardiff, were “robust”.

“Anything that can be learned from the events over the last 24 hours will be factored in to the security arrangements for the Champions League final,” he said. “But this is the world we live in.

“We are aware of what needs to be done in order to provide for the security of the public when they come to our capital city, and working with the police and other authorities, that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

Calling the attack “senseless”, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said she was concerned about the effect on community relations.

“One of the objectives of extremists, aside from harming innocent people, is to divide communities,” she said.

“They want to make people fearful and suspicious of each other so that they can profit from alienation and division.”

And leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said: “I think we need to stand shoulder to shoulder and face down this act of evil.”

Meanwhile leader of the Senedd’s Ukip group Neil Hamilton said: “The best way that a democratic society can fight against such tendencies is to carry on as normal so far as we can.”

Gwent Police Chief Constable Jeff Farrar also issued a statement following the attack.

He said: “I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost loved ones as a result of the terrible events at the Manchester Arena.

“I would also like to express my solidarity with emergency services across the region, who have shown such commitment and professionalism under the most difficult circumstances, and to all those members of the public who have provided assistance.”

Anyone concerned about a loved one who may have been involved in the attack can call 0161 856 9400.