In the hours that follow tragedy - such as Monday night's terrorist attack during an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 59 concertgoers - there are certain members of society who wish to politicise the hurt and sadness for their own agenda.

Unfortunately, this week's attack proved no different, with people on social media suggesting the horrific incident is linked to immigration and religion.

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One Twitter user with the social media handle @hannawwh, was one of those attending Grande's concert and tweeted about the ordeal throughout the night.

During the early hours of yesterday morning, the Twitter user posted:

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In response, another Twitter user going by the name Agent Richard Gill commented on her post:

No, wait put down your chair, you haven't seen what the woman responded to this racist tweet, yet.

Her reply?

Yesterday it was confirmed Monday night's Manchester suicide bomber was 22-year-old Manchester-born, Islamic extremist Salman Abedi, who detonated a device in the foyer of the concert at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

In light of the incident, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, Harun Khan told the public: 'May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.

'I urge all those in the region and around the country to pool together to support those affected,' he added.

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We all know terrorism is a real threat but it is ignorant, abhorred and blind stupid to associate the words 'Muslim' and 'terrorist'.

It's important to remember the Islamic faith was not at the root of Abedi's act of terror – a violent action that has no connection whatsoever to the teachings of Islam – it was instead the result of months of radicalisation from Islamic extremists involved in suspected links to jihadists, that derived from a place of cruelty, barbarity and inhumanity.

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When condemning Abedi's act in the aftermath of the tragedy, if anything we should be using social media to help the families and victims find their loved ones, circulate messages about the city's JustGiving page and blood donations centres.

We should be using our collective energy and power to support those affected and the city of Manchester, rather than pushing illogical anti-Muslim sentiments and stirring up hate towards a religious group which had no part to play in the attack.

We're glad to see people fighting back and standing up against Islamophobia.

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Katie O'Malley
Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.