THIS is the moment an armed Durham Police officer on duty in Manchester following the terror attack blew a kiss to women offering 'free hugs'.

The heart-warming picture was captured by graphic designer Natalie Thornley outside Manchester Town Hall on the day after the attack which claimed 22 lives.

After posting the picture to Facebook it quickly went viral.

One fan of the photo said: "I can see in years to come this being one of the most iconic pictures capturing the aftermath of last night's attack.

“It represents the true strength and love of Manchester."

Natalie, 24, from Altrincham, Trafford, shared the image on Facebook and wrote: "Probably won’t capture a moment like this again.

"Managed to get a photograph of the moment a heavily armed policeman blew a kiss to two ladies offering out free hugs.

"Really shows the spirit people in Manchester maintained tonight and the love that has spread throughout the city. Stronger together, love not hate.”

The image has been shared thousands of times around the world.

Natalie, who works as graphic designer, said: "I walked out to where the policeman was stood, they were carrying such heavy armour you don’t normally see in this country.

"I walked out to photograph the guy, the police officers then spoke to the women offering hugs and then blew a kiss. The picture wasn’t originally what I was going for.

"When I uploaded it I didn’t expect to get the response I had. My friends and family liked it, within 24 hours it had become quite big, it is quite surreal.

"I am happy the photo has brought a little bit of hope to everybody. If it gave some people relief that is a good thing."

The police officer pictured is PC Nick Downing, who is 40 and from County Durham, and the woman responding was Elaine Pickup.

PC Downing was working in the city in the aftermath of the bombing at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

PC Downing said: “We got the call on Wednesday morning. I and two other Durham officers, a Cleveland Police officer and two GMP officers were sent to patrol Albert Square in the city centre. 

“Throughout the day the people and businesses of Manchester were extremely supportive - I can’t recall in the past 14 years such an outpouring of appreciation by the public. I shook so many hands and was photographed more than on my own wedding day - the Manchester public were amazing.

“I left Manchester that evening, a couple of hours after the vigil at Albert Square had finished and made my way back to County Durham arriving home at around midnight. It was a long but rewarding shift.

“I am proud to have been able to support the people of Manchester, but I know if I hadn’t taken that call there are many other officers who would have done just the same.

“I would like to say that although I played a small part, there are many other officers who worked longer hours, in more challenging situations, all of whom have my utmost respect.”