A REDDITCH church will open its doors tonight (Wednesday, May 24) to express sympathy, solidarity and support for the victims of the Manchester terror attack. 

The gathering will take place at 5pm to 6.30pm at St Stephen's Church in Church Green West. 

Rev Paul Lawlor said: "I really just wanted to offer a space for people to come together.

"So we will be keeping the church open a bit later.  

"This isn't about Christianity this is about being human and standing together.”

At least 22 people were killed and almost 120 were injured in the blast caused by an explosive device detonated at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening.

Police were called to reports of an explosion at 10.33pm, shortly after US singer Ariana Grande had finished her performance.

Following the attack, Redditch Council lowered the flag at the town hall to half-mast as a sign of respect.

The town's new mayor Jennifer Wheeler has also written to the mayor of Manchester sending sympathies on behalf of the borough.