Religious leaders in Bradford have united in condemnation of the Manchester bomber and called for unity across faiths amid fears that Muslim communities "may face retaliation" for Monday night's attack.

A multi-faith service will take place at Bradford Cathedral this evening in memory of the victims of the attack, which killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert at hte Manchester Arena on Monday night.

The service will be led by the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd Toby Howarth, and will feature the Cathedral Choir.

The Rt Rev Howarth has urged leaders across Bradford's faiths to attend and be united in their prayers.

He said: "Our hearts are heavy for all those affected. It would be good to have as many people here from as many different communities as we can tonight."

Muslim religious leaders echoed the call for solidarity in the face of a "cowardly and despicable" act.

This lunchtime the Rev Canon Paul Maybury led prayers with a small number of people present including Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe.

The cathedral's clergy had already said prayers together at 8.30am in response to the news of the atrocity.

During the lunchtime prayers, the Rev Canon Maybury said the prayers were specially for those whose lives have been so tragically cut short and asked for blessings on "all those whose hearts are filled with sadness".

"We pray for families who have lost children, grandchildren, friends, loved ones and for the communities from which they have come. We acknowledge their personal, family and community grief," he said.

And he added: "We hold in our hearts and prayers the emergency services and all those responding to the implications of this tragic event.

"And we pray for responses that lead to healing that will guide and protect from those who would want to enflame the situation.

"We also pray for all the medical personnel, the police and the local authority, all responding face-to-face with need. We also pray for restraint. We come in shock, grief and confusion - help us find peace and give us light to guide us out of darkness."

The city's Muslim communities have also condemned the attack, for which the so-called Islamic State organisation has claimed responsibility.

A spokesman for the Bradford Council of Mosques said: "There are no words to capture the deep anger and frustration we feel by this cowardly and despicable attack on innocent lives at the Manchester Arena.

"What should have been an enjoyable evening turned to be one of mayhem resulting in loss of life, especially of young people. It will also prove to be a life-changing experience for all involved.

“In keeping with our tradition, Bradford communities undoubtedly will stand in defiance and united with families of the victims and doing all that we can to share their pain and loss.”

A spokeswoman for the Bradford Muslim Women's Council said: "The Muslim Women’s Council are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific news of the Manchester attacks. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the 22 individuals who lost their lives. We vehemently condemn an attack which police have said is a terrorist incident. 

"From the taxi-drivers, the people who offered their homes to stranded concert-goers, to the hundreds of police, fire, and ambulance staff who worked tirelessly through the night, the overwhelming compassion and resilience displayed by these everyday heroes is the very best reflection of our country. 

"Whatever the intentions of the perpetrator who committed this heinous act, we cannot let them succeed in dividing us. We grieve for those who have died and for those who are injured, but we are also incredibly concerned that some communities may face retaliation following this attack.

"Emotions will be running high, but it is of utmost importance that we do not give in to the binary of 'us' and 'them' by associating entire communities with the acts of an individual. As much as we are in turmoil over what has happened, the media, public figures and the wider community must be measured in their responses.

"Now is a time not to politicise and stoke the fires of division, but to pray for those who have lost their lives, show solidarity with their families, and display compassion to all, regardless of faith or race."

In an earlier statement the Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, said: "Today at least 22 families will wake up to a world in which their own children will have found their life ended young. The loss can only be indescribable. Life will never be the same again; the sense of injustice will not be comprehended.

"The cowardice of the perpetrator is striking. Isn’t it brave and principled to target unwitting children and young people?

"The emergency services, along with ordinary people who responded heroically, represent the best of a society that refuses to regard such events as ‘normal’. It is shocking, a crime and a sin beyond words."

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