HOLLYWOOD actor Tom Hardy launched an appeal to raise funds for the victims of the Manchester bombing yesterday as workers across Britain paused in their duties to remember those who lost their lives.

The star of Mad Max: Fury Road and Inception is raising money for the British Red Cross — whose campaign has already raised £1.5 million — setting a target of £15,000. But the page has already leapt past £22,000.

Mr Hardy said: “I am hoping to raise money for the British Red Cross Society because the families and children will need support.

“What happened at the AG [Ariana Grande] concert in Manchester was a tragedy, families and children attacked and murdered in a place where they should be safe and enjoying a concert — it is an inconceivable atrocity.”

An outpouring of unity and support has seen over 150 JustGiving crowdfunding pages created to raise money to help those affected.

The nation also paid their respects to the Manchester suicide bombing victims in a minute’s silence at 11am.

Crowds gathered at well-known sites in Britain, including Parliament and Trafalgar Square in London, and Manchester’s Albert Square.

Hundreds stood outside Greater Manchester Police (GMP) headquarters for the silence, with crowds pouring out of nearby buildings to join the officers.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins asked those gathered to spend a minute “reflecting” on the events.

He hailed the “great work” and “true professionalism” of all the emergency services in responding to the attack.

The silence at GMP HQ began and ended with a whistle, with the crowds applauding before they walked back to their offices.

Police forces across the country also joined in the act of remembrance — flying flags at half-mast, and gathering outside headquarters in a show of solidarity.

And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn observed the minute’s silence in his Islington constituency.

Outside the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where medics fought through the night to save victims, staff stood together for a moment’s silence before breaking into spontaneous applause.

Inside, doctors and nurses paused their duties and stood on balconies overlooking the main reception.

Other acts of remembrance across Britain included court proceedings being paused with judges, jurors, lawyers and defendants standing in silence as a mark of respect.