By Stuart McFarlane

Flags are flying at half mast across Dumbarton and the Vale and messages of condolence are being shared in the wake of last night's Manchester attack.

West Dunbartonshire Provost William Hendrie led the tributes to the city and the 22 people that have died and 60 injured in the incident, caused when a suicide bomber detonated a device outside the Manchester Arena following a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.

Provost Hendrie said: “The events in Manchester last night are truly devastating, and the fact that children are among the fatalities adds to the heartbreak. 

“I cannot begin to fathom the agony of those affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with them all.

"The flags will be lowered at council buildings as a mark of condolence today, and will remain at half-mast until Monday.”

A minute silence was also held at Dumbarton Sheriff Court this morning as a mark for respect for the victims and survivors and Dumbarton and the Vale's MSP Jackie Baillie offered her own message in the wake of the attack.

She said: “This is a horrific attack on children and young people who went out to have fun at a concert.

"Today I am thinking about the innocent lives which have been lost, the people who have been injured, and the families who are still searching for their loved ones.

"My heartfelt condolences go to everyone who has been caught up in the attack.

“Manchester is a great city and it is a testament to the tremendous spirit of its people that in the immediate aftermath of the explosion so many were willing to offer help to the concert-goers and the first-responders.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Manchester against this cowardly act of terror.

“The flags at the Scottish Parliament are flying at half-mast and we have suspended campaigning for the General Election today until further notice.”

A vigil is due to take place in Glasgow's George Square later this evening to remember the victims, with the city's leader, Susan Aitken, labelling the attack a "disgusting and appalling outrage".

Police Scotland's chief constable, Phil Gormley, said that the thoughts of the force were with all those who lost loved ones or have been injured.

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, the moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “There is no cause, political or religious, that justifies actions of senseless brutality, anywhere or at any time.

“The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland offers its prayer and deepest concern to all who have been caught up in this action. We pray for them and send our sincerest wishes of peace to come in this heart-rending situation.”