Reaction to Manchester arena terror attack

There's been a rise in the number of hate crimes being reported in Northamptonshire since last week's terror attack in Manchester, according to the county's police force.

Officers say they're monitoring the situation and have urged people to keep coming forward if they're targeted.

They've also confirmed that they'll continue to be on patrol at large events this weekend.

Armed police are to patrol the region's trains for the first time, following the increase in the UK's terror threat level.

British Transport Police said officers would be deployed from this afternoon (Thursday) to ensure the public was kept safe on the rail network.

A spokesman said travellers should feel comforted by their presence and urged passengers to speak to them if they had any worries.

The move follows the government's decision to increase the terror threat level to critical following Monday's suicide bombing at a music concert in Manchester.

Communities across the region observed the national one minute's silence this morning to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

This was the scene in Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Peterborough.

If you have images or video from silences elsewhere in the region, send them to anglianews@itv.com.

• Video report by ITV News Anglia report Russell Hookey

Two sisters from Northamptonshire have been talking about being caught up in the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

17-year-old Brook Page and her 11-year-old sister Adele, from Milton Malsor, were at the Ariana Grande concert where a suicide bomber murdered 22 people and injured dozens more.

They've spoken about how they escaped from the venue and the support they're getting now to help them come to terms with what they've been through.

• Video report by ITV News Anglia reporter Matthew Hudson

Armed police have been on duty at Milton Keynes station as security is stepped up after the suicide bomb in Manchester.

• Video report by ITV News Anglia reporter Natalie Gray

There has been an immediate reaction in our region to Britain's terror alert rising to critical. Armed police have been seen on streets, at stations and in shopping centres following the suicide bombing in Manchester.

But the Chief Constable of Norfolk says rather than be afraid people should feel reassured by the increased police presence. And for anyone considering missing out on the big events across our region this summer he says still go - otherwise the terrorists have won.

An RAF freedom parade through the streets of Stamford in has been postponed on the advice of police following the Manchester terror attack.

Personnel from RAF Wittering were due to exercise their freedom of the Lincolnshire town on Thursday May 25th.

Station spokesman Ed Palmer said: "In consultation with Lincolnshire Police and in line with national police guidelines, RAF wittering has reluctantly decided to postpone the parade marking the freedom of Stamford tomorrow.

“Although we are not aware of any specific threat to Stamford or RAF Wittering, we believe it would be more appropriate to hold the parade at a later date.

"RAF Wittering apologises for any disappointment and thanks the people of Stamford and all the nearby communities for their continuing support."

People have gathered in the centre of Luton for this evening's peace vigil in solidarity with the victims of Manchester's terror attack.

The Bedfordshire town was among a number a places around the region to organise events to show support for the city where 22 people - including a number of children - were killed at a music concert last night.