THE Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council said the city stood with Manchester in solidarity. 

Councillor Warren Morgan has asked for flags on all city council buildings to be lowered as a mark of respect to those killed.

He tweeted: "The worst news from Manchester. Thoughts with those injured and families of those killied, and with all emergency services dealing with the incident.

"The city of Brighton and Hove will stand with the city of Manchester in solidarity and grief, as will towns and cities around the UK."

Later a joint statement was released by the leaders of the three political groups on the city council.

It said: "We are shocked and appalled by the terrorist attack in Manchester last night.

"That any person or organisation can target innocent young people at a pop concert is unfathomable. 

"This act is intended to frighten and divide us, but we will not be cowed and we stand together strong; united in compassion with people from all faiths and backgrounds.

"We send our deepest sympathy to all affected by this horrendous attack.

"Our thoughts are particularly with the families and friends of those who have died and been injured.

"As a sign of respect flags on council buildings in the city will fly at half-mast today. The council will also be writing to the Leader and Chief Executive of Manchester City Council offering support.

"Co-operation between the public and the police is the greatest asset in tackling the challenge the UK faces from terrorism."

Bishop of Chichester Martin Warner said: "The attack on Manchester Arena is as cowardly as it is evil. This morning our thoughts and prayers are for those killed and injured, their families and friends.

He added: "In contrast to the destructive loathing of the perpetrators of this atrocity we also recognise the heroic generosity in the response of the emergency services and many others."

It comes as emergency services in Sussex have not yet been asked to assist colleagues in Manchester following a suspected suicide bombing which killed 22 people.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said its Technical Response Unit had not been asked to assist in the operation.

Sussex Police also confirmed none of its officers have been deployed to the north west.

Specialist officers from Sussex were deployed to London during rioting in 2011. A year later, 268 officers were sent to the capital during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sussex Police have three armed response vehicles on duty between 7am and 11pm across the county, based out of Lewes.

This morning two British Transport Police officers were seen patrolling Brighton Railway Station.

The Argus:

It comes as 59 people remain injured in hospital and 22 people have been confirmed dead, including children.

Police were called to reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena at 10.33pm, shortly after US singer Ariana Grande had finished her performance.

At 11.53, Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said at a news conference in the early hours of Tuesday: "This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.

"Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives.

"Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones.

"We continue to do all we can to support them."

Mr Hopkins said a "fast-moving investigation" had established the attack was conducted by one man, although detectives are working to establish if he was "was acting alone or as part of a network".

Police confirmed the suicide bomber died at the scene. 

Victims described being thrown by the blast that scattered nuts and bolts across the floor.

More than 240 calls were made to the emergency services, with responders including 60 ambulances flooding the area.

While more than 400 police officers were deployed as part of the operation, with a visible presence remaining on the streets of Manchester on Tuesday.

The dozens of victims injured in the attack are being treated at hospitals across Greater Manchester, and a hotline has been set up for those with concerns over loved ones who remain unaccounted for.

A large cordon remains in place around the arena and nearby Manchester Victoria Station, which was evacuated during the incident and remains closed, while forensic investigators gather evidence.

Anyone with concerns over loved ones can contact 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900 for assistance.