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23rd May 2017
10:15am BST
Michael D Higgins and Donald Trump are among those who have condemned a bombing in Manchester that has claimed the lives of 22 people.
The explosion took place at the Manchester Arena last night, just moments after US pop singer left the stage following a concert at the venue.
While no Irish are believed to be among those who have died in the blast, police have confirmed that children are among the casualties.
In a statement this morning, President Micheal D Higgins said that he offered the UK "not only our sympathy but our solidarity ".
"This cowardly attack on innocent citizens will have appalled all those who care for democracy, freedom and the right to live and enjoy the public space.
"Manchester has been home to the Irish and so many nationalities for centuries and at this terrible time, I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but our solidarity. Our thoughts in Ireland are with all of the people of Manchester and our neighbours throughout the United Kingdom at this time.
US President Donald Trump has also condemned the terrorist attack, saying that the victims were "murdered by an evil loser".
"I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured... and to the so many families of the victims. We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. So many young beautiful and innocent people living and enjoying their lives, murdered... by evil losers in life.
"I won’t call them monsters because they would like that term. They would think that’s a great name. I will call them from now on losers because that’s what they are, they’re losers. And we’ll have more of them. But they’re losers, just remember that. The terrorists and extremists and those who give them aid and comfort must be driven out from our society forever.”
Our team in Manchester will be providing live updates as the story develops throughout the day.
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