TROWBRIDGE'S Muslim community has distanced itself from the suicide bomber who killed 22 people at a music concert in Manchester on Monday night and condemned the depraved attack.

After American singer Ariana Grande finished her performance at Manchester Arena, a man detonated a device, thought to be a nail bomb, in the venue's foyer, killing 22 people and injuring 59 more in the process - including many young children.

On Tuesday, Salman Ramadan Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, was named by police as the attacker.

Abdelkader Boutarfas, of the Trowbridge Moroccan Community Association, said: “I was appalled to learn of the attack on Tuesday morning.

“At first I didn’t think it was real – I failed to believe it. To carry out any attack is sickening but there are no words to describe one that targets young children.

“Children have no idea about politics or war and nothing to do with the problems in the world. Nobody deserves to die in that manner but especially not children.

“I want to make it clear that this very much goes against Muslim beliefs – all of the Muslim community completely condemns this, but sadly there are one or two sick individuals out there who tarnish our religion.”

Mr Boutarfas admits he does have concerns about the safety of Muslims after an incident like this.

“I hate to admit it but I do worry about people's reaction to something like this happens,” he added.

“I’ve heard of people hurling abuse at those who look like Muslims in Manchester on the news and I worry it might happen in Wiltshire – especially to women who wear headscarves."

The association will be holding stalls at a number of Trowbridge events over the summer, including the Armed Forces Day in the park on June 24 and 25, where representatives will meet members of the public.

Shazuli Iqbal, chairman of Wiltshire Islamic Cultural Centre (WICC), based in Canal Road, Trowbridge, said: “I was completely shocked when I heard about the barbaric attack and our thoughts are with all the families affected.

“At times like this it’s important to show unity and at the centre we try to build bridges with the community to ensure solidarity.

“We will be organising activities for people who use the centre to reinforce that.

“We want people to know that the man who did this has nothing to do with our religion – he was just a sick person.”

For more information about the WICC, call Mr Iqbal on 07429 694374.