General Election campaigning has been suspended after the suspected terrorist attack that killed 19 people in Manchester.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had spoken to Prime Minister Theresa May and they had agreed that all national campaigning would be suspended until further notice.

Mrs May will chair a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee on Tuesday morning.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called off an election visit to Gibraltar and the SNP postponed Tuesday’s planned manifesto launch.

Mr Corbyn said: “I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured.

“Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.

“I have spoken with Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, who has fully briefed me on the operational response in the city.

“I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with last night’s appalling events.

“I have spoken with the Prime Minister and we have agreed that all national campaigning in the General Election will be suspended until further notice.”

Mrs May said: “We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.

“All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.”

Flags in Downing Street have been lowered to half-mast in honour of those killed and injured.

The explosion also affected campaigning in Scotland, with electioneering suspended by all parties.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was expected to host a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee on Tuesday morning in response to the explosion.

The SNP cancelled all campaigning for the day and also took the decision to delay its manifesto launch following the horrific events.

Ms Sturgeon said: “My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been affected by this barbaric attack in Manchester.

“The Scottish Government is working with Police Scotland and the UK Government to ensure that we have a full understanding of the developing situation.

“I will convene a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee this morning to receive an update and to consider any implications for Scotland.”