Dozens attended a vigil in Chatham town centre tonight to remember those who lost their lives in the Manchester terrorist attack.

A suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, and injured around 50 adults and children as they were leaving an Ariana Grande concert last night.

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 Manchester Arena.

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The vigil at the Chatham mural, opposite McDonald’s in the High Street, attracted around 25 people.

It was organised by Stand Up to Racism.

Among the speakers were Chatham and Aylesford Conservative parliamentary candidate Tracey Crouch, Rochester and Strood Conservative candidate Kelly Tolhurst, and Medway Labour leader Vince Maple.

Speaking at the event, Ms Crouch referred to the death of her much-loved colleague and fellow MP Jo Cox who died "in an act of hate" almost a year ago.

She continued: "Jo's motto was very much about having more in common than what divides us and I think that is true again today.

"To see everyone here from our local community to remember and to pay tribute to those that have lost their lives in Manchester, we do stand with those in Manchester."

She also spoke of the courage displayed in the face of such an act of cowardice, and paid tribute to members of the emergency services who run towards danger when everyone else runs away.

Mr Maple, who has been publicising the event on social media, said earlier: “In times like this its really important just to pause and reflect over the terrible events that we have seen in the last 24 hours.

“This awful individual, or individuals, does not reflect our community or our society.

“It’s an opportunity to recognise all the people who came together to help. The people who opened up their homes to those who couldn’t leave Manchester.”

Earlier, parliamentary candidates from across the county took to social media to express their shock after the attack.

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

Meanwhile, in Maidstone, there will be a service at All Saint's Church on Mill Street on Thursday at 7.30pm.

The Ascension Day service will include 10 minutes' silence and lighting of candles for victims of the Manchester terror attack.

The NSPCC is urging any children who may be upset or anxious after the attack to talk to a trusted adult.

A spokeswoman said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the devastating terror attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and families of those who have been affected.

“Our advice for any child or teenager upset and anxious in light of this news is for them to talk to a trusted adult, be it a parent, teacher or Childline."

Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk