THE Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police said the threat level has not been affected by last night's suicide attack at Manchester Arena.

Twenty-two people, including children, were killed and 59 injured in the attack after an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena last night.

Chief Constable Dave Jones has been involved in security briefings this morning, following what he said was "the tragic news of what is being treated as a terrorist attack in Manchester".  

He said: "There is no intelligence to suggest that there has been any change in the level of threat here in North Yorkshire.

"Still, I would like to reassure the public that we will continue to maintain a visible police presence across North Yorkshire today. Our officers are providing support to Greater Manchester Police and neighbouring forces in any way that we can."

Mr Jones urged anyone concerned about loved ones who may be in Manchester to phone the dedicated helpline 0161 8569400 to help find them, and encouraged anyone with images or footage from the show or the incident to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk

Mr Jones also expressed his thoughts on behalf of the force to the victims of the attack and their families, as well as Greater Manchester Police and the emergency services.

He said: "On behalf of North Yorkshire Police I would like express my deepest sympathy to those affected by last night’s tragic events. Our sympathies  go out to those who have lost loved ones, or who have suffered as a result of this barbaric attack.

"Also, our thoughts go out to colleagues at Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services who have worked tirelessly throughout the night and into this morning in very difficult circumstances."

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: "I’m devastated to hear about the horrific attack that targeted teenagers, children and their families in Manchester, it’s a shocking and senseless loss of life of people who were just out to enjoy themselves.

"I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. If anyone has been caught up in the dreadful events in Manchester, please do get in touch with the Supporting Victims unit here in North Yorkshire.  The team is trained to help and we have support services available."

Keith Taylor, team leader for Supporting Victims, said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the horrific events that took place last night. We’re thinking about the families of those involved and are here to help. I would urge any North Yorkshire residents affected to please call us. We can offer both practical and emotional support.”

Supporting Victims can be contacted on 01609 643100, by email on help@supportingvictims.org or online at SupportingVictims.org

Anyone with information on the terror attack should phone 101 or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.

Always call 999 in an emergency or for immediate assistance.