RELIGIOUS and civic leaders gathered in “shock and mourning” at a multi-faith service at Bradford Cathedral tonight to pray for those affected by the bomb attack in Manchester.

The service was led by the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend Toby Howarth, who read a prayer written together with the Bishop of Manchester to pay respects to those impacted by the tragedy.

He said: “Help us as we pray for the people of Manchester, Bradford, and this region. With thanksgiving we remember those who have shown courage.

“With concern we remember those injured. With compassion we remember the bereaved.

“With love we pray for all caught up in this event and we pray for your mercy on those who caused it.

“Strengthen the fearful, protect the vulnerable, turn the hearts of those who hate.

“Console the weary, embrace those who grieve, hold in your love those who have died.”

Prior to a two minute silence, various faith leaders led their own individual prayers, calling for a need for “all faiths to protect all human lives”, and a plea to “protect our communities from division and hatred.”

In a prayer to all Bradfordians, the congregation was urged to “bless the people of Manchester and protect them from harm in this dark time”, while at the same time “filling our district with good health and boundless compassion.”

The Rt Revd Howarth said the city was standing in solidarity with those taking part in similar vigils in Manchester and Leeds, and added that prayers were with the families from the Bradford area who had been caught up in the attack.

He said: “We gather here in shock and mourning, but we are standing with those in Manchester and across the world.

“Bradford Cathedral is for all of us, all our communities.”

The service ended with the congregation lighting candles for those who had lost loved ones in the bombing, which has so far claimed the lives of 22 people.