This is a public statement released by the British Libyan community in Manchester

The British-Libyan community in Manchester condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena on the 22nd May 2017. The perpetrator murdered innocent and defenseless people, including children. This attack was an attack on all of us. Such depraved acts have no basis in Islam. All those responsible for senselessly destroying the lives of innocent people do not deserve to live in our community and should be behind bars. We support the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice, and in protecting the people of Manchester and the rest of the UK.

Many members of the British-Libyan community in Manchester are doctors who stand side by side with their colleagues to ensuring that victims and other patients receive the best possible care at this difficult time. We take this opportunity to praise the emergency services for their dedication and efforts. Most importantly, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost loved ones, and the injured. 

As a community we have lost many hundreds of people who bravely fought and defeated ISIS in Sirte, Libya, only a few months ago, and so we are affected by grief again. We stand together with all Mancunians to keep Manchester safe and strong.