THIS is the moment an armed police officer on duty in Manchester following the terror attack blew a kiss to women offering 'free hugs'.

The heart-warming picture was captured by graphic designer Natalie Thornley outside Manchester Town Hall on the day after the attack which claimed 22 lives.

After posting the picture to Facebook it quickly went viral.

One fan of the photo said: "I can see in years to come this being one of the most iconic pictures capturing the aftermath of last night's attack. It represents the true strength and love of Manchester."

Natalie, 24, from Altrincham, Trafford, shared the image on Facebook and wrote: "Probably won’t capture a moment like this again.

"Managed to get a photograph of the moment a heavily armed policeman blew a kiss to two ladies offering out free hugs.

"Really shows the spirit people in Manchester maintained tonight and the love that has spread throughout the city. Stronger together, love not hate.”

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Natalie said: "I walked out to where the policeman was stood, they were carrying such heavy armour you don’t normally see in this country.

"I walked out to photograph the guy, the police officers then spoke to the women offering hugs and then blew a kiss. The picture wasn’t originally what I was going for.

"When I uploaded it I didn’t expect to get the response I had. My friends and family liked it, within 24 hours it had become quite big, it is quite surreal.

"I am happy the photo has brought a little bit of hope to everybody. If it gave some people relief that is a good thing."