Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester's unity

Poignant images reflect solidarity in evidence throughout city

Sadiq Patel comforts Renee Rachel Black (Reuters)

A Muslim man comforted an elderly Jewish woman and the pair prayed together at a floral tribute in the centre of Manchester in a symbol of the city's unity following a suicide bomb attack which killed at least 22 people.

Sadiq Patel came and comforted Renee Rachel Black, who was visibly upset, and prayed next to her beside a display of flowers in Albert Square, where a vigil was held on Tuesday for victims of Monday night's attack at an Ariana Grande concert.

He then helped her away, linking arms with her and carrying her chair in his other hand.

It came as British police said they were investigating a network in their probe into the Manchester suicide bombing that killed 22 people on Monday, the head of Greater Manchester Police said.

"I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating," Chief Constable Ian Hopkins told reporters.

"And as I've said, it continues at a pace. There's extensive investigations going on and activity taking place across Greater Manchester as we speak.

Reuters