HOSPITALS across East Lancashire have been treating people injured in the horrific attack at Manchester Arena.

Non-urgent operations have been postponed so doctors can treat more urgent cases.

Meanwhile ambulance service bosses have spoken of their devastation after they sent 60 ambulances to the horrifying scene.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) staff worked through the night to take patients to hospitals across region.

Lancashire Police have confirmed they will also be offering assistance over the coming days.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Derek Cartwright, chief executive of NWAS, said 60 ambulances took 59 people to hospitals while paramedics treating around 60 'walking wounded'.

He said: "No matter how much we train our staff for incidents such as this, nothing can prepare you for the shock and sadness when tragedies like this occur. This is, indeed, a very sad time for Manchester."

Ch Con Steve Finnigan, of Lancashire Police, said: "We will do all we can in the coming days to support colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and the people of Manchester. We stand with them."

He said they will be engaging with all communities to offer them reassurance and will not tolerate hate crime.

John Bannister, director of operations at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said they were receiving casualties to support services in Manchester.

"It has been necessary for us to postpone a very small number of non-urgent operations to allow us to manage our more urgent cases and create some additional capacity in the system."

Patients are urged to contact NHS 111 or visit www.choices.nhs.uk.

Police have urged people to report any suspicious activity to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321 or via 999.

Lancashire Traumatic Stress Service is also providing support via www.lancashiretraumaticstressservice.nhs.uk, while Lancashire Victim Services are available on 0300 323 0085 and NEST Lancashire on 0300 111 0323 is also offering support for young people affected.

For people concerned about the whereabouts of a friend or family member the emergency helpline is 0161 856 940