Nottinghamshire Police have sent extra officers to help police in Manchester deal with the aftermath of Monday’s terror attack.
Armed response officers based in Notts were sent to the city to help the Greater Manchester Police operation following a suicide attack which has so far killed 22 people, including children, and injured a further 59.
Nottinghamshire Chief Constable Craig Guildford also said security plans for Notts would be assessed in light of the attack.
The blast happened in the foyer of the Manchester Arena at around 10.30pm as people left a concert which had been performed by US singer Ariana Grande.
Mr Guildford said on Tuesday morning: “Our thoughts are with the families of those who have died and those who have been injured following this horrific incident in Manchester.
“Our policing colleagues and the other emergency services are continuing to do an outstanding job in difficult circumstances in the devastating aftermath of this attack, and we are also thinking of them.”
He added: “Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena, with some of those not returning home.
“We have sent specialist resources to assist Greater Manchester Police (GMP) overnight as part of the response to this incident.”
He said it was important to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
“Terrorists aim to create distrust and fear in our communities and we will not let this happen.
“We will be working with colleagues within the National Counter Terrorist Policing Network, other police forces and UK intelligence services to establish what happened in Manchester and assessing our plans here to take all steps possible to keep our communities are safe.
“Today is a sad day for us all, and here in Nottinghamshire, as we go about our business we must stand together during this difficult time.”
Staff at Nottingham Arena, the largest indoor multi-purpose venue in Nottingham, paid tribute to the victims of the attack on their Twitter.
— Motorpoint Arena (@nottinghamarena) 23 May 2017
The arena is due to host several high-profile acts this year, including John Legend, Blink 182 and Mrs Browns Boys.
An exercise was held at the centre in March 2012 to prepare staff and 999 crews to deal with emergency situations.
Volunteers took part in a mass casualty drill which gave the arena the opportunity to test safety procedures.
Nottinghamshire Police deployed extra armed officers around the city in December after a lorry attack on a Christmas Market in Berlin.
Flags on buildings across the county have been flown at half mast to pay tribute to the victims and their families.
Ariana Grande is set to perform two more shows this week at the o2 arena in London before continuing her European tour in Belgium.
