THIS week we feel the reverberations of last Monday's terrorist attack in Manchester.

After a suicide bomber targeted an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring 59 in the blast, the world has continued to grieve over the heinous crime, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians.

As the name's of the 22 victims have been released - each with family, friends, passions and personalities - the initial shock of the news shifts to sorrow.

Sadly, we're no strangers to hearing of terrorist attacks. From Paris to Stockholm, Brussels to Berlin, Westminster to the Philippines, too often our headlines and TV news slots warn of yet more Isis-linked attacks; innocent lives cut short in a campaign of hate.

Yet what seems particularly shocking about the Manchester incident is that this was a targeted assault on people in their youth.

Out for the night to enjoy themselves, see one of their favourite pop stars in the flesh, and sing along with fellow fans, their evening exemplified a liberated and well-spent life.

These attacks sting all the more when fun and frivolity is replaced by terror and fear.

There have been news outlets claiming young women were earmarked, with their Western way of life representing all that Isis detest. Yet whether it was a direct attack on women, or the venue was targeted based on the guaranteed footfall, cannot be ascertained.

Most of us will have attended a large-scale concert at some point in our life. It's natural therefore, that in these victims we see ourselves - our friends, families and children.

At the age of six, accompanied by my mum, I attended my first ever pop concert. Delighted to be seeing Boyzone and the one and only Ronan Keating, we headed to Glasgow's SECC for the music event.

In awe of the glamorous, grown up girls waving Glowsticks and the sense of community as fans cheered loud and in unison, it all combined to create a night I have never forgotten.

We all have similar experiences, and hearing that for the Manchester victims theirs turned so tragic is difficult to accept.

Yet as we try to make sense of these atrocities, mourning our losses and wondering if another attack is imminent, what remains important is that we stand together.

Where there has been tragedy, we are lucky to see hope, with the people of Manchester offering shelter and assistance in the aftermath.

The Manchester Evening News, who originally set out to raise £50,000 to help the families of those killed or injured in the arena attack, have incredibly raised more than £1.6million and are now aiming for a £2million target.

To help towards the cause, visit the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westandtogethermanchester.