RAF bomb scrawled with 'Love from Manchester' sparks controversy

RAF fighters have sparked controversy after a picture was released of a bomb attached to jet with the words "Love from Manchester" written on it.

The photo came after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, which killed 22 people.

It is thought to have been written by a drone squadron based in a secret location in the Middle East. Originally reported to be a Hellfire missile on social media, it was later confirmed as a Paveway IV bomb.

The photo provoked outrage from some on social media who viewed it as tasteless in the wake of the Manchester tragedy:

Writing in the Independent, Manchester native Harriet Williamson criticised the RAF action as the wrong response to the bombing.

"After the appalling tragedy in my hometown of Manchester on Monday night, the photograph sickens me. It utterly disrespects the people of my wonderful city by slapping our name on a missile, an instrument for causing death and destruction, mere days after a terrible loss of life occurred where we live," she wrote.

"The people of Manchester have pulled together in a time of crisis, showing incredible strength in supporting one another, regardless of religion, ethnicity or background. Manchester is grieving. We want healing, not more violence and horror."

Others, however, supported the sentiment: