Manchester attack: Havering Council message to residents

Lindsay Jones

Published: 1:07 AM May 23, 2017 Updated: 12:36 PM October 13, 2020

Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire - Credit: PA

Following the terror attack in Manchester on Monday, the chief executive of Havering Council urged people “not to let this atrocity divide our communities”.

Andrew Blake-Herbert said today (Tuesday): “The attack in Manchester has had a devastating impact, and I can’t express enough our deepest condolences to those who lost a loved one, and those who are being treated in hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected.

“I urge the people of Havering not to let this atrocity divide our communities. At times like this, we must stand together strong and united.

“We must go about our daily lives as normal while remaining alert to any suspicious activity, which should be reported immediately.

“We continue to work with the police and other agencies to ensure that we are vigilant to any dangers and as prepared as we can be.”

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The threat from terrorism remains severe in the UK, and has done so since August 2014.

However, vigilant behaviour by the public has been known to disrupt an attack in its planning stages. The council is asking the public to continue to be attentive.