POLITICAL and religious leaders across East Lancashire have appealed for communities to stand together in the face on Monday night's Manchester Arena bombing.

Representatives of all parties and faiths condemned the 'criminal act' which left 22 dead, including an 8-year-old girl from Leyland, and dozens injured.

They invoked the North-West spirit of community strength demonstrated after the 1996 IRA attack which devastated Manchester city centre and the 1993 Warrington bomb which killed two children.

As Islamic State claimed responsibility for the trademark suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert, Muslim leaders led the denouncement of the killing.

Across East Lancashire flags were flown at half mast and vigils and memorial silences organised.

Abdul Hamid Qureshi, chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: "This was a criminal act.

"Those responsible have no faith.

"I appeal for people of all communities to stand together against these enemies as they did after the Manchester and Warrington bombs."

His predecessor Blackburn Queen's Park councillor Salim Mulla said: "This is an evil and murderous act by people who claim religion but have no faith.

"As after Manchester and Warrington in the 1990's, it is time for the people and community in the North West to stand together."

Former Blackburn MP and Labour Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "I am appalled and shocked by this attack on a soft target where those responsible knew there would be children killed.

"Our security services are amongst the best in the world but it is impossible in any society, let alone a free one, to stop this kind of atrocity.

"As after Manchester, Warrington and other terrorist attacks all our communities will stand together in the face of evil."

As Pendle Council yesterday flew the St George’s Cross flags at half-mast on Nelson and Colne Town Halls, its leader Mohammed Iqbal said:“We reject all forms of terrorism and extremism and stand together."

Lancashire Church of England Bishops of Blackburn Julian Henderson, Burnley Philip North and Lancaster Geoff Pearson said: "To target an event attended by so many children and young people is barbaric beyond words or belief.

"We commit ourselves afresh to action to building a world that reflects those values."

Yesterday the Aawaz Asian women's charity held a communities together event at St Andrew's Church Accrington while at noon today a minute's silence will be held outside Blackburn and Darwen Town Halls.

Building Bridges Pendle and the Pendle Forum of Faiths will hold a public vigil in Nelson Town Centre at 10.30am.

Flags outside Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington town hall flew at half-mast yesterday with Book of Condolence opening at the latter tomorrow.

Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with victims and families affected by Manchester Arena terrorism."

Mohammed Khan, his Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council counterpart, said:“People from our borough were at the concert and our thoughts are with them. We must continue to stand united against those who would do us harm.”

While political campaigning was suspended yesterday, candidates expressed their sadness and shock and called for strength and togetherness in face of the terrorists.

Burnley Labour candidate Julie Cooper said: "I cannot express strongly enough my respect and admiration for the professionalism and courage of the emergency services who attended through the night and continue to treat the injured.

"The people of Manchester have once again shown their spirit and compassion through their exceptional response."

Her Liberal Democrat rival Gordon Birtwistle said: "It was absolutely evil as young people out for the evening were cruelly cut down in their prime."

Blackburn Labour candidate Kate Hollern said: "At this time of great sadness it is vitally important that all communities pull together and reject hatred."

Her Conservative opponent Bob Eastwood, a former police chief, said: "This was a murderous attack on young people. I know the police and security services will be doing all they can."

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, Conservative Mayor of Hyndburn, said: "It is so easy for those with murder in their hearts to choose soft targets like these innocent people leaving a concert.

"These terrorists must never be allowed to succeed."

Hyndburn and Haslingden Labour candidate Graham Jones said: "This is a heinous, cowardly attack. As a nation and a community we should show resolve against those who use terror."

Cllr Paul Thompson, leader of Hyndburn’s UK Independence Group, said “We’re so saddened and deeply shocked by these terrible events.”

Hafiz Abdul Saeed, Head Imam of Accrington's Raza Masjid Mosque, said; “Our deepest condolences go to all affected by this terrible attack. Our hearts go out to them.”

Ribble Valley Tory candidate Nigel Evans, who attended a vigil last night at Clitheroe Castle, said: "Incomprehensible evil beyond description will never triumph."

Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forumsaid: "We urge all people to work together, with the authorities, to bring those responsible for this callous and inhumane act to justice and stand in solidarity with others against all acts of terror."