Concern over lax security for VIP guests at vigil reception

Security around last night’s vigil in Manchester has been called into question after this reporter was able to get within touching distance of senior public figures without being challenged.

Senior politicians including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader and Communities Secretary Sajid Javid gathered in Albert Square, in the city centre, to pay their respects to the victims of the terror attack at the Manchester Arena.

There was a heavy police presence in the square, with officers checking the stage area and patrolling with sniffer dogs.

But the picture was very different just yards away, at the reception in the City Hall ahead of the vigil.