FOLLOWING the horrific terror attack in Manchester people are understandably afraid.

This fear was intensified when the Prime Minister announced the country’s threat level had been increased to critical.

This, she said, meant that another attack is imminent.

As a result armed police have been deployed to train stations, tourist attractions and public spaces.

Even the Army has been drafted in in some parts of the country.

Although these armed officers are supposed to reassure us, they often have the opposite effect.

As a country we are not used to guns. Just seeing one attached to a policeman’s belt can set the pulse racing.

But in these uncertain times we cannot hide away and change the way we live. To do so would be to let the terrorists win.

We must stick together and support each other. It was therefore heart warming to see the crowds at last night’s vigil at Brighton Town Hall.

People of all ages, creeds and religions came together to remember the young lives lost at Manchester Arena.

In the middle of a General Election when there appears to be so much that divides us, it was wonderful to see people of all political persuasions come together as one.

Monday’s attack was not the first and unfortunately it will not be the last. In the not too distant future we will be grieving for lives lost in another city. But if we stick together, remain calm and hold our principles dear, we will get through it.

Islamic State want to break our resolve. They want to change the way we live. We can’t – and won’t – let that happen.