Preston Flag Market saw people all over the city come together to hold a peace vigil in memory of those of lost their lives in the Manchester terror attack.

More than 100 people attended to pay their respects and to show their support as a community.

The Town Hall received numerous phone calls this morning from the public saying that Preston needed to show solidarity with Manchester.

Leader of Preston City Council councillor Peter Rankin said: “Tonight we are Manchester. Preston tonight is sharing its sympathy and condolences with Manchester for this appalling outrage and our thoughts and our prayers are with everyone inflicted. In the aftermath of an attack like this it’s so important that we do not allow those who try to divide us to succeed. So we stand together tonight, having to remember this awful event. We still stand together every single day to spread a loud and clear message of hope and not fear and not hate.”

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A respected Imam said: “Respected audience the children and the innocent who had been targeted last night in this mindless sense, this mindless atrocity is something we should all be thinking about. As Peter said, the sole aim was to divide, the sole aim was to bring to the fore the ignorance that in previous times used to keep us apart. Respected audience, at times likes this what we should be doing is expanding our capacity for humanity, we should be extending our condolences to every single innocent person that has a lost a life for mindless reasons.”

Jeremy Dable, the Chairman of Preston Faith Forum said: “I want to ask you to consider three things. First one is remembrance, second prayer and refection and third is action. We should remember the lives that were snuffed out last night enjoying themselves. This is very sad. We should reflect what this means to us and then I’d like you to consider taking action, I’d like you to become a neighbour because we are all neighbours.”

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Deputy Mayor of Preston councillor Trevor said: “This is a mindless act of terrorism committed by those who have no respect for human life. Tonight our thoughts and our prayers are with Manchester and all those affected by this mindless act against human life. Preston stands alongside Manchester at this terrible time.”

A statement was also read by Christian groups in the city. They said: “On behalf of the Christian church in Preston, we’ve always prayed for the peace for this amazing city and I pray tonight that each of us will feel that love for each other.”

“This has nothing to do with Muslims.

“God is our refuge and strength always ready to help in times of trouble so we will not fear so I just want to challenge you to look to him during this time.”

The people of Preston also showed their support by lighting candles, bringing flowers and gift to respect and honour the victims.