There are few words that can truly describe the act of cruellest barbarity that was inflicted on innocent concert-goers at Manchester Arena on Monday night. While the story is still developing, what is clear is that a suicide bomber viciously exploded an improvised explosive device as the stadium lights went up at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande, leaving 22 dead and scores injured. From the nails and bolts that cut through the young audience it is clear that the perpetrator had but one intent — to kill and maim as many people as possible.

The attack is the worst in the United Kingdom since the terror attacks of 7/7 targeting the London underground rail system 10 years ago. With a general election scheduled in the United Kingdom next month, campaigning has been suspended for now.

This attack has but one intent — to spread fear and panic in ordinary people. A pop concert is a celebration of music and culture, a gathering of tremendous positive energy and fun, and for the perpetrator to strike at such an event — or indeed any other where people go about their businesses and lives — is despicable, cowardly and the embodiment of darkest evil.

From across the world, from the UAE, Canada, Australia, India, nations poor or small, developed or thriving, messages of support and sympathy are pouring in for the people of Manchester. All speak as one, condemning the atrocity and offering sympathy, support and any help possible to recover from this horrific event.

Only last week, Arab and Muslim leaders gathered and resolved to act with the United States and other parties to eradicate the scourge of extremism and terrorism, and if there was evidence required of that need, the terrible loss of life and limb inflicted on Monday night’s victims is a sad and bloody testament.

Those who planned and plotted this deed must be brought to justice, and those who finance, influence or endorse such murderous attacks on an innocent and unarmed populace must face swift and full retribution.

But while the authorities now try and find out exactly what happened and why, a glaring question needs to be asked and answered: Why did full-body scanners not pick up the bomber’s device, or were those scanners not used?

Right now though, we offer our prayers and fullest support to the people of Manchester. Today, we are all Mancunians.