MANCHESTER authorites and religious groups have reacted to Friday's barbaric attacks in Paris, which have so far killed 129 people with hundreds more wounded.

We grieve with you...

Greater Manchester Police have been quick to assure citizens that "there is absolutely no intelligence suggesting an attack is imminent in Greater Manchester", while Council Leader Sir Richard Leese said "Manchester stands alongside Paris and the rest of humanity".

A statement on behalf of the Manchester Council of Mosques, which represents over 70 mosques in the city with a combined congregation of over 80,000 people, read: 'This attack is an attack on us all; no one can justify such calculated murder of innocent people."

Meanwhile, a Parisian living in Manchester has urged people to gather in Piccadilly Gardens on Sunday 15 November to take part in a silent vigil (6-7.30pm), while a book of condolence has been opened in Manchester Town Hall.

Statement from Greater Manchester Police (Sat 14 Nov 4.55pm):

Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts said: “Greater Manchester Police will be working in line with the national response to the terrorist atrocities which occurred in Paris last night, Friday 13 November 2015.

“We are strengthening our policing stance across the city and have made strategic changes to both the policing profile of major events and officer presence in key areas of the city to ensure that people feel safe to go about their daily lives.

“That will be under constant review as the weekend progresses, but I would like to stress at this point that there is absolutely no intelligence suggesting an attack is imminent in Greater Manchester.

“The strongest message we can send to the terrorists is to go about our lives as normal, and show that they cannot overcome the people of Greater Manchester by use of fear and intimidation.

“However, we can all play a role in making the streets of our city safer, by remaining vigilant and informing the police immediately of any activity which arouses suspicion.”

.The Co-op's Angel Square on Saturday

Statement from Manchester City Council (Sun 15 Nov 11.51am):

'Manchester Town Hall will continue to be lit in the French Tricolore of red white and blue for the duration of the three days of national mourning declared in France following the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night.
 
'A book of condolence has also been opened in the Town Hall, and will be available for people to sign and show their support for the French capital and for everyone affected by the terrorist atrocities in the city, that have so far claimed 129 lives.

'Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

'"Manchester stands alongside Paris and the rest of humanity in denouncing the terrorist atrocities that took place in the French capital on Friday night.

'"We share the shock, horror, and deep sadness of everyone in Paris as well as millions more around the world.  Like them, we cannot fathom how something as appalling and horrific as this can be done to people - many of them young people - as they go about their normal lives.

'"Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all of those in Paris and beyond who have been affected by these actions of hate and terror.

'"We grieve with you."'

Updated (Sun 15 Nov 20.21pm)

'Manchester will stop working tomorrow, Monday 16 November, at 11am as it joins the rest of Europe in a minute's silence in memory of the victims who lost their lives in the Paris atrocities.

'City leaders are asking everyone to join them in pausing and paying their respects to the 132 people who are now known to have lost their lives following the terrorist attacks in the French capital on Friday night.'

.Thousands gather for a vigil in Paris following the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January

Statement on behalf of Manchester Council of Mosques (Sun 15 Nov 12.16am):

'Paris is an attack on us all.

'This is an emergency statement in relation to the ongoing terror attacks in Paris

'The Greater Manchester Muslim community note with deep shock and sadness the fast developing terrorist attacks in Paris. Our thoughts are with the French people and authorities. We pray for the safety of all the hostages.

'We also pray for the relatives and friends of those who have lost their lives so tragically.

'This attack is an attack on us all; no one can justify such calculated murder of innocent people. Let's hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice and feel the full weight of the law.

'Usman Choudry of Cheadle Muslims Association states:  "I am simply lost for words at this moment, this is truly horrific and our thoughts are with the French authorities and people in this tragic moment. The Manchester Muslim Community pray this dangerous situation is contained, and we wish the authorities every success in their task. We ask all to remain vigilant and to cooperate with the authorities; we must ensure that these killers do not divide us."

'Qadir Ahmad Chohan, Chair of Manchester Council of Mosques, states: "The Paris terror attacks which we are seeing in our news channels are an attack on us all. We pray and hope that the attacks are swiftly brought to an end. We send our condolences to the bereaved families. And we hope that any perpetrators are brought to justice and harshly punished."'

Confidential says:

Those who died in Paris did so pursuing the richness of life; eating, drinking, dancing, laughing. In honour of the dead we should continue life in this manner; drink until drunk, eat until full, dance until morning and laugh 'til the end. Relish life. They did. So should we...

 

The book of condolence is located in the foyer of the Town Hall and will be available for anyone who wants to sign it between 9 am and 8:30 pm each day.

(main imaged credit: @ManchesterNewsl)