Election hustings cancelled in response to Manchester attack

An election hustings event has been cancelled in the aftermath of Monday's terrorist atrocity at Manchester Arena.

On Thursday evening, Selby Abbey was due to host a debate between the four candidates vying to be Selby's member of parliament for the next five years.

Organisers took the decision to call-off the event as national election campaigning was suspended following the terrorist outrage.

A statement issued by Selby Abbey said:

Due to the suspension of election campaigning until further notice, a decision has been taken, with the agreement of candidates, to cancel the hustings that were scheduled to take place [tonight] evening at Selby Abbey.

Selby Abbey will be open as a prayer space from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 25 May instead to pray for the Election and also for those affected by the Manchester terrorist attack.

Bishop of Selby, Rev. John Thomson said, "In the light of the terrible tragedy in Manchester we need to be still and spend time in quiet prayer holding before God those who have been bereaved and who are suffering as a result of this atrocity, and commit ourselves to work for peace in our society."