SWINDON fell silent to honour the victims of Manchester’s horrific terror attack tonight.

As news spread that 22 people – including children – had been killed in the blast and more than 50 others taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, Swindon residents decided to honour those who had lost their lives.

More than 50 people gathered at the cenotaph in Regent Circus for a candlelit vigil to pay tribute to the victims and their families.

Candles flickered and glowed as the sun set over Regent Circus, as the crowd gathered at the war memorial.

The vigil was organised by Jamie Brewer, 25, of Wichelstowe, who has family and friends in Manchester, all safe and well.

People of all ages gathered to lay flowers and light candles at the base of the cenotaph.

Jamie said a few words and the crowd stood in silence for half an hour. One man saluted the memorial before leaving. Many thanked Jamie and shook his hand.

Among those at the impromptu service was the chairman of the Swindon Hindu Temple Trust, Pradeep Bhardwaj.

“It’s nice to see Swindon come together," Jamie said afterwards.

He said he felt compelled to honour those who lost their lives.

“I saw the news about what happened when I woke up, I thought it would be a good idea to get Swindon more involved to remember. That’s why I put details on Facebook for people to share,” he said.

“We need to stand together and I thought it would be nice for people to come along and pay their respects. What makes the whole thing worse is the fact that children are involved. My heart sank when I saw it on the TV.”

A suicide bomber – named as Salman Abedi, 25 – detonated an improvised explosive device in the Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert at around 10.30pm last night.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were treating it as a terrorist incident. An emergency telephone number was set up by police in response to the attack and social media was littered with appeals from terrified parents who were unable to get in touch with their children.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.”

A 23-year-old man was arrested in South Manchester in relation to the attack and police are looking into whether the suicide bomber was acting alone or in a group.

Both Swindon and Wiltshire Councils lowered their flags to half-mast today to pay tribute and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson tweeted his sadness at waking up to the devastating news.

He said: “Waking to news of explosion and loss of young lives in Manchester. My thoughts with the families and emergency services.”

Mike Veale, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, added: “Profoundly saddened by the devastating events in Manchester. The thoughts of all at Wiltshire Police are with everyone affected.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We want to reassure the people of Wiltshire and Swindon that we work tirelessly to make sure that this remains a safe place to live, but we do need information from the public.

“We must all remain vigilant and alert and ask that you report anything suspicious to the confidential hotline on 0800 789 321 or dial 999 in an emergency. For further information about reporting suspicious behaviour visit act.campaign.gov.uk.

The devastating attack prompted venues across the country to review and reassure people about their security arrangements including the Wyvern.

A spokesperson for the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic incident at the Manchester Arena concert venue.

“As part of HQ Theatres, the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre have in place robust and continuously reviewed and rehearsed emergency procedures.

"Our staff are highly vigilant and fully trained to ensure the safety and comfort of all customers enjoying our buildings and services.”