Rainbow flags have been lowered to half mast in Manchester’s Gay Village following a shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

The moving tribute appeared on Canal Street after 50 people were killed at the Pulse venue in the Florida state in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A state of emergency has been declared by the city’s mayor after the massacre, which is the worst mass shooting in US history.

A man thought to have been armed with an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire at the club at around 2am (7am BST) local time.

Another 53 people were injured in the shooting, which police have described it as an act of terrorism.

The killer, who also took hostages, was later killed in a gunfight with Swat officers in the Florida city.

Read more: Fifty people killed in Orlando nightclub in worst mass shooting in US history

Three rainbow flags above Bar Pop on Manchester’s Canal Street, in the heart of the Gay Village, were today lowered to half mast as a mark of respect to victim’s of the tragic shooting.

A message on the Bar Pop Facebook page posted on Sunday read: “As a mark of respect Antonio, John and Bar Pop team have lowered our flags as a mark of respect to today’s news from America. No Hate Just Love”

It is thought there were more than 300 people inside the club when the suspect, identified as Omar Mateen from Port St Lucie, Florida, opened fire. An officer was also shot, sustaining injuries to his face.

Pulse, which describes itself as the “hottest gay club in Orlando”, took to Facebook following the incident.

The nightspot posted: “Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love.”