REVIEWS will be held into Greater Manchester’s preparedness and response to the Manchester Arena terror attack and the way that the region tackles extremism.

An independent review will be carried out into the emergency services’ response, while a commission has been set up to look into the work being done to confront all forms of violent extremism.

It was also revealed that the number of people injured in the attack, which killed 22 people, has now risen to more than 250.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “In the worst of times, you see the best of people, and in the last month we have seen the best of Greater Manchester, which has shown the world how strong and united we are.

“As we move forward we need to look open and honestly at the response so we learn lessons and through that improve the safety of our communities. I have committed to an independent review on this.

“We also need to begin a difficult conversation about what more we can do to tackle the rise in extremism, which sadly has become a feature of our times and is found in all our communities.

“Tackling extremism has got to begin with families and communities. We need to ask what more we can do to identify those who pose a risk to others.

“Prevent has achieved some success, but it needs more grassroots involvement.”

The findings of both reviews are expected to be published early next year.

Beverley Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “The massive, complex response to the devastating attack from services and volunteers has been widely acclaimed and has shown the resilience and strength of our city region.

“If we are to keep our communities safe in the future, we need to learn lessons from incidents to improve how prepared and resilient we are.

“The independent review will look at what went well and what could have been improved.

“The review will be open, honest and transparent, and will feature not only responders, but also those who were caught up in the attack and have been most affected by it.”

Cllr Rishi Shori, Bury Council leader, will lead the commission to tackle extremism, alongside Cllr Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council.

He said: “We need to tackle extremism in all its forms and from wherever it comes from.

“Protecting our residents from extremism cannot just be left just to the state, it needs to happen with our communities.

“We need to work in the heart of our communities with families, as they are best placed to identify the early indicators and warnings of potential signs of extremism.”