THE expressions on the faces of the people in the crowd gathered at the top of Grey Street suggested they were full of questions, as well as sadness.

Questions to which there are no answers.

Why would someone? How could they? What will they do next? Where do we go from here?

Those poor, poor children.

The senseless slaughter of innocents carried out by Salman Ramadan Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, is so utterly shocking it has lowered the bar, even for so-called terrorists.

It appears to be the latest in a long line of increasingly frequent deplorable barbaric acts by the band of murderous fanatics who call themselves ISIS.

Hundreds gathered in Newcastle city centre at teatime , the atmosphere among the crowd at the Peace and Unity rally was sombre, with a deep sense of sorrow.

But also, there was defiance, and a show of strength as community and faith leaders from all religions and denominations stood beneath Grey’s Monument and spoke of peace and harmony.

Newcastle City Councillor Dipu Ahad, who organised the event, said: “This is about showing solidarity with the people of Manchester.

“These disgusting, despicable people do not discriminate against people.

“If they want to kill they will kill. We want to show unity. The terrorists are trying to break us and we want to show that our bond will not be broken. It makes us stronger.”

Around 300 people listened to unifying messages offering hope from religious leaders including Imam Ahmad Raza, Rabbi Aaron Lipsey, Bishop of Newcastle Christine Hardman as well as the city’s Lord Mayor Hazel Stephenson.

Student Talya Kurt, 17, from Newcastle, said: “It is important to come to something like this as it shows strength and unity and shows these people we are not scared and they are not going to knock us down. We stand together.”

A dedicated service held was at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle at 5.30pm, while the Gateshead Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne, Penshaw Monument, near Washington, Sunderland Magistrates' Court building in Keel Square, are being lit up in red, white and blue.

At Sunderland Civic Centre, the flag is being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to all those who were killed and the 59 injured in the terrorist attack on Monday evening.
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This was a dreadful attack which is all the more sickening because it was targeted at innocent children and young people.
“Our thoughts and our prayers go out to all those caught up in this devastating tragedy and their family and friends.

“It is right and fitting that as a city we show solidarity with the people of Manchester as they come to terms with this cowardly assault.
“It's important too that we pay tribute to the emergency services who worked so tirelessly to rescue and treat those who were caught up in the attack.
“I'd like to salute the people of Manchester who have shown such an inspiring community spirit in the face of this act of terrorism and I know the people of Sunderland will join me in sending our sympathies to them.”

Vigils also took place in York this evening with one in St Helen's Square, and another at York St John Students' Union.

The university event organisers wrote: "An attack on young people, on children is horrific to even begin to regard.

"By request of a number of YSJ students, York St John Students' Union will be holding a candle vigil tonight at 19:00 in front of YSJSU to remember the lives of 22 people who should've been having the happiest time of their lives.

"The young people of York stand together in solidarity with the young people of Manchester this evening. It is important to talk and it is important to remember."

Later in the week the city centre church of St Martin's Coney Street will hold a special service.

A vigil will begin at noon on Friday in the church, and vicar Rev Jane Nattrass said people are invited to gather for a short service, to light a candle and to pray for peace.