A vigil will be held in Manchester this evening to pay tribute to the victims of the suicide terror attack that left at least 22 people dead.

The city’s mayor, Andy Burnham wrote on Twitter: "Please join us for a vigil at Albert Square at 6pm tonight. 

"We are grieving today, but we are strong," he added.

Please join us for a vigil at Albert Square at 6pm tonight.  We are grieving today, but we are strong. @MENnewsdesk @BBCNWT @GranadaReports pic.twitter.com/opMjK0jFuT

— Mayor Andy Burnham (@MayorofGM) May 23, 2017

Thousands are expected to attend the vigil which will be held at 6pm tonight in Manchester’s Albert Square.

A statement on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website called on the public to come out to remember the victims of the attack and show those that wish to frighten us that we are not scared."

Manchester City Council is organising a relief fund for anyone who wishes to donate money to help those affected by the tragedy. 

Terror attack

At least 59 people were injured in the attack which is believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber who died at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a second man – aged 23-years-old – has been arrested in connection with the attack.

In a statement on social media, terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack saying one of its soldiers had “placed bombs among the crowds.”

Appalling, sickening cowardice

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said “many young children and young people” were among those killed or injured in an attack that “targeted some of the youngest people in our society with cold calculation.”

“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice; deliberately targeting innocent defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives,” she said.

Two of the victims of the attack have been named over the past number of hours.

Georgina Callander, an 18-year-old student who was studying health and social care was the first to be named.

A second victim was identified as eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos.

Mayor of Manchester

Mr Burnham said it is “hard to believe what has happened here in the last few hours and to put into words the shock, anger and hurt that we feel today.”

“These were children, young people and their families that those responsible chose to terrorise and kill,” he said. “This was an evil act.”

“We are grieving today but we are strong.

“I want to thank the hundreds of police, fire and ambulance staff who worked through the night in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.”

He also paid tribute to the people of Manchester.

“Even in the minutes after the attack, they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger,” he said.

“They gave the best possible immediate response to those who seek to divide us and it will be that spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together.

Eight hospitals across greater Manchester are tending to the victims and worried families have been appealing for help in finding loved ones who remain missing.