West Midlands joins minute's silence to remember Manchester attack victims with armed police on streets

A minute’s silence was observed across the West Midlands today in remembrance for the victims of the Manchester concert bombing as armed police continue to patrol the streets.

The silence also marked the nation’s solidarity with those who were injured in the blast as well as others affected by the atrocity.

It came as armed police stood guarding public areas in the West Midlands including at Wolverhampton Railway Station and the city's bus station.

Flags will remain at half-mast on government buildings until the evening of May 25.

Organisations across the West Midlands took part in the minute's silence including Wolverhampton council and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Dozens of Wolverhampton council employees gathered outside the city's civic centre to observe a minute's silence.

They were joined by others who came across from the city centre to pay their respects.

Senior council staff including Managing Director Keith Ireland and Director of Governance, Kevin O'Keefe, were also present.

Most gathered in front of the Union Jack which was flying at half-mast.

Afterwards, Mr O'Keefe, said: "Since the Manchester attack there has been a shared, collective sense of grief and we have come out today to show our solidarity.

"Whichever city you are from you can empathise with the people of Manchester."

Armed police were stationed outside Wolverhampton's bus and train stations as the heavy police presence remained in place.

Two officers carrying semi-automatic weapons patrolled between the bus and train stations, while extra officers were also out in force in Dudley Street.

Commuters and shoppers filing out of the stations looked on as they passed the armed officers, some taking pictures with their phones.

Most people in the city centre said they were reassured by the presence of the armed officers.

But others said it was shocking to see police with guns close up.

Heidi Pickerell, aged 44, said: "Initially, it's a scary concept, however, they are just being cautious and are there for us.

"I don't think I've ever seen a real gun in the flesh. It's a bit of a shock but thank God they are there."

Michelle Schofield, 54, said: "I find it unnerving. You have seen them on TV and in the papers but when you are face to face with them it is a reality check."

Jack Withers, 19, from Sedgley, said: "It's quite reassuring. Extra security is what's needed. It makes people feel safe and that's the most important thing.

"It is scary that they are needed but the fact they are there is reassuring.

"It makes you think where is going to be next and that is quite worrying."

Earl Ford, 37, agreed. He said: "If something kicks off then they are there. It is better for people that there is a presence.

"If something happens they are there."

However, former solider Steve Sadler, 60, said he felt deploying armed police to the city centre was a 'knee-jerk reaction'.

He said: "I have mixed feelings. I understand the reason they are there. I know how uneasy people can be when it gets to this stage.

"Some people see it as comforting and some people see it as a political thing. Some people think they should have been here before.

"If someone is determined to do something it will happen."

James Henworth, aged 71, from Walsall, said: "It makes you nervous because you think it is going to happen to you.

"All train stations are going to be on alert now."