THE ARCHBISHOP of York prayed with the Bishop of Manchester as news of the terror attack broke - and urged people not to be afraid.

Church of England leaders from around the country had been gathered at Bishopthorpe Palace in York for a House of Bishops gathering, when news of the atrocity was announced.

They included the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev David Walker, who learned of the news in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The bishops prayed together early in the day and Rt Rev Walker then opened a short service speaking of the “shock, anger and grief” that would have greeted the news from Manchester.

Rt Rev Walker said: “It's good that I am here with my fellow Archbishops and Bishops so we can pray together about something that although it happened in Manchester is a national tragedy."

He cut short his visit to York to return to the city.

Speaking after the service, Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, said people should not be afraid following the attack.

He said: "We have already seen people coming in big numbers from all over the country to see how they can help.

"I think this is a great great message. Nothing should divide us - not hatred.

"What unites us is our love, our care our compassion and commitment to each other.

"I want to say to the people of Manchester look each other in the eye, and say we are a great people and nothing is going to destroy us."

"You are a great people in Manchester, nothing should divide you.

"For the people who think that by blowing themselves up and killing a lot of people they are doing something heroic - they are not. They are cowards."

He added: “Do not be afraid.

"Fear leads to greater fear and you can find yourselves imprisoning yourselves in your own houses. Do not create a prison of fear for yourself."

"We want love, care and compassion and for people to go about their business trusting that the police will investigate properly.”

The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, said: “The events in Manchester last night are a wanton attack on innocent and vulnerable people.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and particularly for those from the North-East who had travelled across for what they expected to be simply a great night out.”

Many churches are opening their doors to allow people to pray for the injured.

The New Life Baptist Church in Northallerton posted on its Facebook page: “In light of the very sad events in Manchester last night, we are opening the church for prayer between 7 and 8 pm. You are all welcome to join us as we pray for the injured, those who’ve been bereaved and for our nation and our world in these troubled times.

"If you’re unable to come, please take a few moments to stop and pray with us wherever you are.”