Manchester attack: Donald Trump hits out at 'evil losers' as suicide bombing kills 22 people

US president Donald Trump branded terrorists "evil losers" and said the US stood in solidarity with the UK after a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena killed 22 people.

Mr Trump made the comments at a Tuesday morning press conference in Bethlehem, where he is on a state visit.

He said: "I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured ... and to the so many families of the victims.

"We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.

"Young, beautiful, innocent lives... [taken] by evil losers," he added.

Mr Trump is visiting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as part of his first trip abroad since taking office.

German chancellor Angela Merkel was among other world leaders to swiftly condemn the bombing and lend her solidarity to the British people.

"I am following the reports from Manchester with great sadness and shock," said Ms Merkel in a statement circulated on Twitter by spokesman Steffen Seibert.

"It is incomprehensible that someone could use a joyful pop concert to kill or seriously injure so many people.

"I would like to convey my sincere condolences to all victims and those affected, as well as to their families in their grief and despair," she said.

She added that Germany would work with the UK to prevent further attacks.

"This suspected terrorist attack will merely strengthen our determination to continue working together with our friends in the UK to combat those who plan and carry out such despicable acts.

"People in the UK can rest assured that Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with them," she added.

Russian president Vladimir Putin also condemned the perpetrators of the “cynical, inhuman” attack, said the Kremlin, and is willing to step up anti-terrorism cooperation in the wake of the attack.

“We firmly condemn this cynical, inhuman crime. We expect that those behind it will not escape the punishment they deserve,” said the statement released by the Kremlin.

“The Russian head of state confirmed his readiness to bolster anti-terrorism cooperation with our British partners, both on a bilateral basis and in the framework of broader international efforts,” it said.