WEST Devon police are reassuring the public that they will continue to work with partners to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the borough following the shocking terrorism attack in Manchester on Monday night which left 22 people dead and at least 59 injured.

Communities across Devon and Cornwall are being urged to remain alert and vigilant following the attack at an Ariana Grande pop concert at the Manchester Arena attended by children, some as young as eight years old, and teenagers and their parents.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the foyer of the venue just after 10.30pm shortly after Grande, the US singer, had finished her performance and thousands of people were streaming out of Europe’s largest indoor arena.

The bombing is the biggest terrorism attack in 12 years in this country— in 2005 52 people were killed and 700 more injured after four bombs went off in London as a direct attack on the public transport system.

Police said there was no specific intelligence to suggest any additional threat local to Devon and Cornwall or any risk to our communities locally, however, the threat level for the country remained severe.

West Devon Inspector Mark Sloman said: ‘Our thoughts are with the victims and families of those affected by the terrible events in Manchester last night and our colleagues in Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services who now have the task of supporting individuals, families and communities as they recover from this devastating incident.

‘Although we live in an extremely safe part of the country it doesn’t mean we are exempt from this kind of attack.

‘Locally we will continue to work with our partners to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to West Devon.

‘I would ask all members of the public that they are always vigilant and to report any activity that they believe to be suspicious, but at the same time it is important that people should go about their daily business as usual.’

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary’s Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: ‘The tragic events in Manchester are a timely reminder of the need to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity you may see.

‘Although we have no information to suggest any specific risk to Devon, Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly, I would ask the public to keep alert and not be alarmed, and to support us in keeping our region safe.

‘If anyone sees anything suspicious relating to terrorism, they can report this to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.’

‘The impact of last night’s events will be felt for some time and our condolences go to the families and friends of those who have died as well as those who have been injured as a result of the attack.

‘Devon and Cornwall Police officers and staff are always aware of the dangers of such attacks, they remain thankfully rare.

‘Local people may see some increased patrols locally and might also see a more overt armed presence from officers. I would ask the public not to be fearful of this, but to feel more secure that steps are being taken to ensure their safety.

‘Devon and Cornwall Police stand with the Greater Manchester Police and other forces across the country.  We must not allow attacks like this stop people going about their daily business. Vigilance and being alert to potential intelligence is critical, but rest assured everything possible is being done to ensure public safety at this difficult time.’

Police are currently working with counter-terrorism police and intelligence agencies. 

Officers believe the attack in Manchester was conducted by one man who died at the scene, although they are working to establish if he ‘was acting alone or as part of a network’.

There has not been an official claim of responsibility from any terror group but supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) celebrated the bombing on social media.

Greater Man chester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: ‘This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Man-chester and one that we all hoped we would never see. Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives.’

Grande, 23 later said on Twitter: ‘broken. from the bottom of my heart. (I) am so sorry. (I) don’t have words.’