‘WE must continue to stand strong in the true spirit of Greater Manchester’ is the message from civic, health and emergency services leaders following last Monday’s terror attack.

Mayor Andy Burnham, deputy mayor for policing and crime Beverley Hughes, the Wigan borough’s Lord Peter Smith and the nine other leaders of the local authorities in Greater Manchester have met with chief constable Ian Hopkins to set out what needs to done over the coming weeks and months to ensure the best possible support is given to all those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing that killed 22 people.

All agencies are committed to taking a strong and united approach as we begin to recover from the suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert.

Mr Burnham has also made clear Greater Manchester’s zero tolerance approach to extremism, urging communities to continue to work with police and report any concerns.

The Leigh MP, who took part in the Greater Manchester Run yesterday, said: “We are a city in grief and also a city of solidarity.

“In the face of such horror and tragedy Greater Mancunians have stood united and shown the world that we are a city of compassion, strength and tolerance.

“It is these values that we must hold on to over the next days, weeks and months, and refuse to allow terrorists and extremists to divide and turn communities against one another.

“I also call on our communities to continue to work with police and report any suspicious activity and extremist material.

“Greater Manchester’s leaders take a zero tolerance approach to extremism and will not condone any form of hatred.

“Please help us in this fight by being vigilant, speaking out and promoting tolerance and cohesion.”

Cllr Rishi Shori, Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s lead for young people and social cohesion, said: “Manchester has faced its darkest moment and our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones, the families of those injured and in hospital and all those directly affected by last Monday’s horrific attack.

“In the face of this terrible tragedy the Greater Mancunian spirit of unity, respect and compassion has shone brighter than ever.

“We need to harness that spirit, strengthen the bonds that thread throughout our city region and make sure that the needs of families and young people directly affected by the attack are absolutely central to everything we do.”

Cllr Jean Stretton, GMCA’s lead for fairness, equality and inclusion, said: “I am extremely proud of the way Greater Manchester has stood strong, defiant and united in the face of such a horrific and unimaginable attack on our young people and their families.

“As we begin to recover and support those who have been directly affected by the attack it is vital we continue to bring our communities together and support each other through the next days, weeks and months.

“Greater Manchester’s leaders are committed to working together – closer than we ever have before – to promote social cohesion, tolerance and respect throughout all our communities, sending a strong message that we are a city region united.”

Following the attack at the Manchester Arena the terrorist threat level was raised to the highest level of critical, which means an attack is expected imminently.

This has now been reduced to severe, which means that an attack is highly likely.

Police have arrested 16 people in connection with their investigation into the attack, of which two people have since been released without charge.

Fourteen men remain in custody for questioning.

To report any concerns about possible terrorist activity call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321 or 999.

You can report hate crime to police by calling 101, or visit letsendhatecrime.com.

If you have been affected by the terror attack at Manchester Arena free help and support is available from Victim Support on 0808 1689111.