Kent's MP candidates have spoken of their shock after 22 people, including children, were killed and more injured in a terror attack in Manchester.

The politicians responded to the news that a suicide bomber had killed more than 20 and injured around 50 more adults and children who had attended an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Police said the lone bomber died in the attack, which caused a huge bang and left many in the 21,000 crowd racing to leave the Manchester Arena venue.

All election activity has been suspended today by all the major parties, with politicians from across the globe sending their condolences.

Kelly Tolhurst, Rochester and Strood candidate said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the children and families affected by this devastating and horrendous attack on our young people in Manchester.

Greg Clark, former MP for Tunbridge Wells and a candidate in the forthcoming election, said: "Sickened that such a joyful event should be targeted by such wickedness. Prayers and thoughts with victims and families, and with Manchester."

Dover candidate Charlie Elphicke said he was "shocked by the appalling and barbaric attack in Manchester.

"Thoughts and prayers with all those affected and their families."

And Folkestone candidate Damian Collins described the atrocity as "terrible news coming from the Manchester Arena."

He added: "Our prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the emergency services."

Mike Rolfe, candidate for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, tweeted: "Horrified at what's occurred in Manchester over night, thoughts and prayers to all the families that have lost loved ones and those injured."

Helen Whately, who is standing in Faversham and Mid Kent tweeted: "Horrific & cowardly attack on young people in Manchester. My thoughts are with those who've lost loved ones and the injured #WeStandTogether."

Rehman Chishti, who represented Gillingham and Rainham vowed: "Terrorism must be and will be defeated."

Vince Maple, standing in Chatham and Aylesford said: "Medway stands in solidarity with all those in Manchester. A huge thank you to all the emergency services..."

Craig Mackinlay, who is standing in South Thanet, joined in those responding to the terror attack. He described it as an "indescribable evil against innocent youngsters. We mourn with you."

Tracey Crouch, for Chatham and Aylesford, dubbed the terrorism "barbaric & heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the families & friends of those killed & injured."

For Tom Tugendhat, standing in Tonbridge and Malling, the atrocity was a time to reflect.

He tweeted: "Today I miss the voice of Jo Cox. She found words where so many were silent. #moreincommon@MrBrendanCox"

Helen Grant, who is standing in Maidstone and the Weald, said: "I will be suspending all campaigning and planned engagements today, out of respect for the victims and their families. #PrayForManchester"

Gordon Henderson, Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative candidate, said: "That such youngsters should be targetted highlights the depth of the evil of the terrorists."

A public meeting he was due to hold this evening was cancelled.

Raushan Ara, who is standing in South Thanet, said: "After yesterdays' attack on concert goers, my heart goes out to all those who suffered in the aftermath."

Dylan Jones, the Labour candidate for Tonbridge and Malling, has cancelled a visit to the Malling School which was scheduled for today.

He said: “I am horrified and saddened by the barbaric attack in Manchester last night.

"My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died and been injured. Today the country is grieving for what has happened."

Meanwhile, councils across the county lowered their flags as a mark of respect.

Medway council tweeted to say it was flying its flags at half mast today.

It said: "Our flags are flying at half mast today following the horrific attack in #Manchester. Our thoughts are with everyone affected."

Ashford council tweeted this, with a picture of the council's flags at half mast: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the horrific attack in #Manchester"

Kent County Council, Shepway, Gravesham and Dartford and Tenterden town councils have also lowered their flags.

Away from the political scene, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, tweeted about "heroic Manchester".

He added; "Dark evil cannot overcome it.

"We pray for those in sorrow on the hard journey of loss and pain, and for those who protect us."

A statement issued by the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Rosanna Currens and Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Council, said: "The events in Manchester last night reflect a new depth in the inhumanity of those who simply do not understand the strength and determination we have to stand up for a decent society, to support one another and defend a way a life that depends upon openness and goodwill, not repression and violence.

"It is heart breaking to think of the pain and loss that now sweeps through so many families in and around Manchester.

"As flags fly low over the Civic Centre today we know that all of Dartford is thinking of them and also the endlessly courageous emergency workers and dedicated professionals who do so much to protect and care for us."

Conservative candidate Gareth Johnson said on Wednesday that campaigning would continue to be suspended.

"It clearly remains inappropriate to campaign at this time," he said.

"It's right that we try and have the correct balance between being respectful to the victims of this awful attack and not allowing terrorists to disrupt us. I hope that all political parties, working together on this, can achieve this."

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Kent Police’s sympathies are with those affected by the events which took place in Manchester in the evening ofMonday, May 22.

"There is no current information to suggest there is a direct threat to Kent and we remain in regular contact with the Home Office to assess the country’s threat levels.

"Kent Police asks that people continue to enjoy our county and stay alert, not alarmed."

Meanwhile the British Transport Police (BTP) says it is stepping up patrols at hub stations across the country.

BTP assistant chief constable Robin Smith said: "As the public would expect in response to an incident such as this, extra BTP officers will be on patrol at key railway stations as well as on trains around the country.

"Throughout the day, commuters can expect to see additional officers on their journey. This will include both armed and unarmed officers."