LOCAL politicians have expressed their sympathy to those affected by the terror attack in Manchester on Monday night in which 22 people were killed.

Fifty-nine people were injured when a suicide bomber detonated a device at the Manchester Arena as fans were leaving an Ariana Grande concert.

Helensburgh councillor and Argyll and Bute Council leader Aileen Morton said: "I was horrified to wake up on Tuesday to the news of the Manchester attack.

"It's so easy to imagine yourself caught up in those circumstances, which is of course the aim of terrorism - to make us fearful in every day life.

"My thoughts are with everyone affected by this - and I am so grateful to the many, many people who immediately responded bravely and selflessly."

Flags at the Scottish Parliament flew at half-mast on Tuesday and General Election campaigning was suspended as a mark of respect.

Helensburgh's MSP, Jackie Baillie, said: "“This is a horrific attack on children and young people who went out to have fun at a concert.

"I am thinking about the innocent lives which have been lost, the people who have been injured, and the families who are still searching for their loved ones. My heartfelt condolences go to everyone who has been caught up in the attack.

“Manchester is a great city and it is a testament to the tremendous spirit of its people that in the immediate aftermath of the explosion so many were willing to offer help to the concert-goers and the first-responders.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Manchester against this cowardly act of terror."

West of Scotland Conservative MSP and Helensburgh resident Maurice Corry added: "I am deeply shocked at the very tragic events last night at the concert in the Arena in Manchester particularly as it was attended by so many children and young people.

"The people responsible for causing such a dreadful tragedy lack any human decency in knowingly perpertrating such an evil crime against children and young people.

"I feel very much indeed for the families and friends who have lost loved ones last night in Manchester and also those who have been injured. I send them my deepest sympathy.

"I would like to congratulate the Greater Manchester and North West Police Forces and the British Transport Police for responding so quickly.

"Also it was wonderful that so many residents and people in Manchester and Liverpool so generously offered support in so many ways and in the search for, and reuniting of, the children and young people with their parents in the aftermath."

Following the decision on Tuesday to raise the UK terror threat level to “critical”, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I urge the people of Scotland to be vigilant but not alarmed and, as far as possible, to go about their business as usual.

“Security arrangements for upcoming public events are being thoroughly reviewed and the public should anticipate additional safety measures such as full body and bag searches.”

The change to the UK’s terror threat level means that military personnel will now be deployed to protect key sites.

Soldiers may also be seen at other events, such as concerts, working under the command of police.

Some general election campaigning will resume after a minute's silence in memory of the victims at 11am on Thursday.