THURROCK has shown its support for Manchester in the wake of the city's suspected terrorist attack on Monday night.

The country is in mourning today after 22 people were killed and 59 injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Manchester last night.

Authorities and groups across Essex have spoken out to pay their respects to victims and General Election campaigning has been postponed.

As a mark of respect, Thurrock Council has lowered flags at its offices in Grays to half mast.

Bedfordshire Police, which leads on counter terrorism in the eastern region covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, said it is looking at whether security measures need to be stepped up.

Policing operations for crowded places are being reviewed and additional reassurance patrols will be carried out in town centre locations.

Bedfordshire Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "I will never tire of reminding everyone, including our partners and our communities that if they see something that concerns them regarding a potential terrorism threat that they should say something."

"Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected."

It also prompted shows of support from emergency services in the county.

Essex Police tweeted: "Our thoughts & support are with people of #Manchester today & with colleagues @gmpolice & all emergency services doing so much to help."

Essex Fire and Rescue Service wrote: "Our thoughts today are with the people of #Manchester, including the victims, families and our colleagues in the emergency services."

Parties have pledged to stop campaigning today ahead of the upcoming General Election and a hustings event in Colchester has been replaced with a prayer meeting.