SINGER Rihanna has paid an emotional tribute to the children who died in the Manchester attack, as she added to a wave of heartfelt messages from around the world.

The singer, who has played in the city a number of times, said she was devastated, tweeting: “#Manchester has always been so close to my heart! These are innocent vulnerable kids, this could’ve been any of us! I’m devastated!”

In a second tweet, she wrote: “Praying for the beautiful souls we lost, their families and loved ones, for the survivors who will forever be impacted by this #Manchester.”

The Queen led the royal response to the attack, which she condemned as an “act of barbarity”.

In a statement, she said: “The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert.

“I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.

“I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care.

“And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.”

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall expressed their “most heartfelt sympathy” for the families and friends of the victims.

Charles and Camilla echoed the sentiments of the Queen’s message, when the heir to the throne said in a statement: “My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night.

“That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness.

“Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling at this incredibly difficult time and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way.”