Manchester attack: Vigils across Wales for victims

About 150 people were in attendance in Swansea

People have gathered across Wales at vigils to remember victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Twenty-two people were killed and 59 injured when suspected suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, attacked concert-goers on Monday night.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the blast, which happened after a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.

Services were held at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, Swansea and Pontypridd.

• 22 dead and scores hurt in Manchester blast

• Welsh witnesses tell of blast chaos

• Manchester explosion: Latest updates

• Eyewitnesses tell of blast horror

• Confusion and chaos after explosion

• Concert goers flee arena after explosion - BBC News

Speaking on the steps of the Senedd, First minister Carywn Jones described the attack as "appalling" and "horrific".

"Many thousands of people went to a pop concert and many of them were young," he said.

"They meant no ill will to anybody, they just wanted to enjoy themselves. And yet it seems somebody took it upon themselves to take the lives and injure so many of those people."

Cardiff council leader Huw Thomas said: "Tonight, we grieve for Manchester."

He added: "It is love that will ultimately triumph over hate."

Faith leaders also addressed the crowd.

In Gwynedd, faith leaders came together in Bangor to offer their thoughts and prayers to all those affected in the terror attack.

In a joint statement, Gerald Williams (Baha'i and North Wales Police Chaplain), the Very Reverend Kathy Jones (Dean of Bangor) and Mirazam Khan (Imam of Bangor Islamic Centre) said their "hearts go out to the families who have lost the life of a loved one, as well as those who have been injured".

"We hope that the anger and outrage resulting from this attack on innocent people may eventually lead to greater efforts to stamp out violence in our country and in our world," they said.

Flowers were laid and candles lit in Pontypridd

Vigils also took place at Castle Gardens in Swansea and Taff Street in Pontypridd at 18:00, coinciding with one at Manchester's Albert Square.

In Pontypridd, Kelvin Shephard, said he came to pay his respects to the people of Manchester, adding "I feel very sad, moved and upset".

Rhondda Cynon Taf mayor, Margaret Tegg, said the Pontypridd service would give people the opportunity to pay their respects to the victims and also show "we are united in our condemnation of this shocking attack".

A minute's silence was held in Swansea along with other places holding vigils

Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan said: "We are living in difficult times.

"It is important we do not let such terror attacks divide our communities and we continue to live our lives undeterred."

About 150 people observed a minute's silence in Swansea, with some people lighting candles and laying flowers.

Swansea council leader, Rob Stewart, said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Manchester and would like to offer our sympathies to the families and friends of everyone affected."