ORGANISATIONS across Gwent have held minute silences in a mark of respect for the victims of the Manchester attack.

The flag at the Gwent Police headquarters in Croesyceiliog was held at half mast as staff stood in silence.

Speaking afterwards, chief constable Jeff Farrar said: "Words can't describe the awful events in Manchester, the needless loss of life, the attack on our whole society is just atrocious.

"But in times like this we come together as a community and we come together across the country.

"You would've seen the response has been very physical in the past few days and that will continue to be the case.

He added: "I would appeal to people to come forward if they see anything suspicious, they should tell us straight away but to be reassured that we have a strong police presence and that will continue."

Eleri Thomas, deputy police and crime commissioner for Gwent, also urged "solidarity among all communities" in the wake of the attack.

Councillors and staff at all of the county councils across the region also held a minute's silences at their respective offices.