The main parties will suspend campaigning for the General Election today after the Manchester terrorist attack.

Prime Minister Theresa May has condemned the 'appalling' incident.

MORE: 22 dead and 59 injured after Manchester terrorist attackDowning Street said she will chair a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee around 9am today.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: 'This was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society - young people and children out at a pop concert.'

She added: 'The great city of Manchester has been affected by terrorism before. Its spirit was not bowed; its community continued.

'This time it has been a particular attack on the most vulnerable in our society - its intention was to sow fear - its intention is to divide. But it will not succeed.'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was 'horrified' by the attack.

He said: 'Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.'

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, who has cancelled a planned visit to Gibraltar, praised the 'great bravery and heroism' of the emergency services while UKIP leader Paul Nuttall said his thoughts and prayers were with those affected.

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: 'Just woken to the terrible news in the heart of my constituency, Manchester. My prayers and thoughts are with those affected. Stay strong.

'In light of what's happened I have suspended the Ukip General Election campaign.'

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said the news was 'heartbreaking' and her thoughts were with the victims of the 'barbaric' attack.

Announcing it would not be going ahead with its manifesto launch as planned, the party tweeted: 'Our thoughts are with Manchester.'