The chief constable of Cambridgeshire police has said patrols in the county will be stepped up in the wake of the terrorist attack in Manchester last night (Monday).

The Hunts Post: Flag at half mast at St Ives Town Council in solidarity with ManchesterFlag at half mast at St Ives Town Council in solidarity with Manchester (Image: Archant)

Emergency services have confirmed that 22 people died and 59 were injured after an explosive device was detonated as people were leaving a concert by pop artist Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena.

Prime Minister Theresa May has called the incident an “appalling, sickening, terrorist attack”.

Responding to the incident, Chief Constable Alec Wood said: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have died or been injured in the horrific incident in Manchester and all of those affected by this tragedy.

The Hunts Post: The flag at Huntingdonshire District Council is flying at half mast to remember those who lost their lives in Manchester.The flag at Huntingdonshire District Council is flying at half mast to remember those who lost their lives in Manchester. (Image: Archant)

“Our thoughts are with our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police and all of the emergency services responding to this incident. While there is no specific intelligence suggesting an imminent threat to Cambridgeshire, we will continue to monitor the situation and have increased patrols in the county.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and take the usual, sensible measures to protect the public.”

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service also sent its condolences to the families and friends of those affected, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the events in Manchester last night, and with our emergency service colleagues.”

In a show of solidarity with those affected, councils across Huntingdonshire have been flying their flags at half-mast, including at Huntingdonshire District Council, and St Ives and St Neots town councils.

St Ives mayor, Councillor Philip Pope, added: “Today we will be flying the town council flag at half-mast to show support to the people of Manchester at this terribly difficult time. Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, those who were injured and those who today are mourning their loved ones.”

Condolences have been also been sent by the Eastern Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit.

Detective Superintendent Glen Channer, head of the Eastern Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit, said: “We have close policing partnerships across the UK and we will all be working together to respond in the aftermath of such a shocking and senseless attack

“The security and intelligence services are dedicated to keeping people safe and communities can be confident that, together with our partners, eastern forces are continually working hard to safeguard the public.

“As always we rely on the support and co-operation of our public in the fight against terrorism and at this difficult time would remind people that they can report concerns or any suspicious activity they may witness to the confidential police hotline on 0800 789321.

“We pay our deepest respects to those who have lost loved ones and everyone who was affected by last night’s attack.”