Nicola Sturgeon issues stark warning to those 'seeking to DIVIDE us' after terror attack
NICOLA STURGEON has sent out a message to those behind the devastating terror attack at the Manchester Arena last night.
Nicola Sturgeon offers support to Manchester following attack
The First Minister blasted those who sought to “divide us” and “destroy our way of life” while addressing MSPs in Holyrood.
The Scottish leader said the “dreadful atrocity”, which took place following an Ariana Grande concert at the venue, would not “undermine our values”.
She said: “Terrorists and extremists seek to divide us and destroy our way of life.
"As human beings, we cannot comprehend the twisted motivations that lead people to carry out such atrocities, particularly when they target children and young people in such a callous way.
Nicola Sturgeon condemned those behind the attack in Manchester
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There can be nothing more cowardly than to attack children and young people enjoying a night out
"Our best response now and always is to stand firm with determination and in solidarity, to make clear to all those who would seek to undermine our values, target our children and destroy our way of life that they will not succeed – not now and not ever."
She also addressed the blast, which left 22 people dead and more than 100 people injured, during an earlier press conference.
Ms Sturgeon said Scotland shared a “close affinity” with the northern city.
She said: “There can be nothing more cowardly than to attack children and young people enjoying a night out.
Members of the public have been laying floral tributes to the 22 people killed in the blast
“Across Scotland, we stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester, a great and proud city with which so many people in Scotland share a close affinity.”
She then praised the work of emergency services, “whose dedication and bravery running towards danger as others run away stands in such sharp contrast to the cowardice of those who carry out such atrocities”.
Theresa May has since described the attack, which is believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber, as "barbaric”.
She said: "It is an absolutely barbaric attack that has taken place, to cut off young lives in this way, and it is absolutely devastating and our thoughts and prayers must be with their families and friends at this horrendous tragedy that has taken place.”