THE country is in mourning today after 22 people were killed and 59 injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Manchester last night.

Authorities and groups across Essex have spoken out to pay their respects to victims and General Election campaigning has been postponed.

Bedfordshire Police, which leads on counter terrorism in the eastern region covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, said it is looking at whether security measures need to be stepped up.

Policing operations for crowded places are being reviewed and additional reassurance patrols will be carried out in town centre locations.

Bedfordshire Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "I will never tire of reminding everyone, including our partners and our communities that if they see something that concerns them regarding a potential terrorism threat that they should say something."

Councils across the county have lowered their flags to half mast in honour of the people killed and injured in the attack.

Southend's Big Screen shows a simple poignant message. 

Basildon Council and Braintree Council tweeted about the town's solidarity with Manchester, using the hashtag #WeStandTogether.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: "Our flags are lowered today as a mark of respect and solidarity with the people of Manchester following last night's tragic events.

"Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected."

Deputy leader of Colchester Council, Tim Young, has confirmed that he, Mayor Julie Young, council leader Paul Smith and chief executive Adrian Pritchard would send a message of support to the city.

Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service tweeted their praise for colleagues and other emergency services who helped in the aftermath of last night's attack.

Parties have pledged to stop campaigning today ahead of the upcoming General Election and a hustings event in Colchester has been replaced with a prayer meeting.

Southend's Cliffs Pavilion has confirmed that Al Murray will still be performing his Let's Go Backwards Together show tonight.