Major events go ahead across UK amid heightened security measures

Sporting events and concerts have taken place across the UK amid heightened security following the suicide bomb attack in Manchester.

The Duke of Cambridge laid a wreath in tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack on the pitch before the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

An accompanying note, signed by the Prince, read: "We will never fear coming together to celebrate all that unites us.

"In memory of the friends and family taken from us in Manchester."

A minute's silence was also held to remember the 22 people killed.

Heightened security measures were in place at the 90,000-capacity stadium, with a helicopter hovering above and officers on horseback patrolling the grounds.

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Arsenal won the game 2-1.

More than 1,000 armed police officers were on standby in the capital as the FA Cup Final and the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham went ahead.

Rugby fans also observed a minute's silence before the kick off of the final, which Exeter Chiefs won 23-20 over Wasps after extra time.

Fans at both events were advised not to bring bags and to expect additional security checks and searches.

Police had urged to go out and enjoy themselves over the bank holiday weekend.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley - national lead for counter-terror policing - urged Britons to go about their business as usual.

He said: "Enjoy yourselves and be reassured by the greater policing presence you will see.

"We can't let the terrorists win by dissuading us from going about our normal business."

A huge security operation was also staged as the first major event took place in Manchester since the attack on Monday night.

Hundreds of police officers were on duty at Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground ahead of the Courteeners concert, with 50,000 fans expected to attend.

Courteeners' frontman Liam Fray opened with a poem written by Mancunian Ryan Williams in the aftermath of the attack, and assured the crowd the city would "rekindle our swagger".

He said: "You'll never prevail - not against us. This is Manchester, our Manchester, and the bees still buzz."

The poem references the worker bee, a symbol of the city's hard-working past during the Industrial Revolution.

Armed police were stationed at gates and officers in high visibility jackets were in position every 50 yards on roads approaching the stadium.

Airport-style security devices were used to screen visitors, with queues as tickets and bags were checked before entry.

Iron Maiden were also set to appear at the O2 in London, and US singer Anastacia was performing at the O2 Apollo in Manchester.

On Sunday, the Great Manchester Run will go ahead as planned with a large turnout expected in the wake of the attack.

Nine suspects are in custody following days of intense police activity and a series of raids in Greater Manchester, Warwickshire and Merseyside.

The country's leading counter-terror officer has said "immense" progress has been made in the probe into a suspected network linked to suicide bomber Salman Abedi.

Operation Temperer, which has seen hundreds of armed soldiers support police on the streets, will be gradually wound down from midnight on Monday after the UK's threat level was reduced from "critical" to "severe".