The imam of Maidstone mosque has become the latest religious leader to condemn the Manchester terror attack.

In a statement made today Dr Muhammad Shabbir Usmani described Monday's suicide bombing as "barbaric" and an "attack on peace."

Speaking on behalf of Muslims in the town and across Kent he said: "We here at Maidstone Community and Islamic Centre condemn any kind of terror and terrorist acts. It is very sad the people of the United Kingdom have been targeted once again by this barbaric mind set.

"These foolish perpetrators cannot be tolerated at any cost. Muslims and Islam do not accept killing innocent people at all. No Imams and Scholars of Islam agree with this. This is a clear attack on peace and the peaceful people of the United Kingdom.

"As it is very clear in the teachings for Muslims in the Qur’an ‘the murder of one human being is the murder of all mankind’."

Twenty-two people were killed and 119 injured when Salman Abedi detonated a bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena on Monday night as thousands of children and their parents left an Ariana Grande gig.

In the days since the attack police and troops have flooded the streets as the UK's terror threat level was raised to critical, meaning an attack could be innocent.

Eight arrests, described as significant, have been made and various items seized as the security services work to smash the 22-year-old bomber's suspected network.

Tributes have also flooded in for the victims and their families, with the Manchester Evening News raising more than £1million.

At 11am today a minute's silence was observed across the country.