FATBOY Slim and Holly Willoughby were among the famous faces posting messages of solidarity to the people of Ukraine during a “devastating” period for the country.

In heartfelt statements, celebrities from across Sussex prayed for the safety of family and friends and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

It comes as violence continues to escalate in the region following attacks ordered by Russian president Vladimir Putin, which have targeted cities and bases in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government said 137 civilians and military personnel had been killed after the first day of fighting.

Hove DJ Fatboy Slim shared a photograph of him on stage performing in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in July last year.

A caption written alongside the image simply read: “#StandWithUkraine”.

Brighton-born presenter Holly Willoughby said she was concerned about how to explain the conflict to her three children Chester, Harry and Belle.

She said: “How do I explain this to my children? I was asked questions last night I didn’t have the answers for.”

Social media star Saffron Barker, who lives in Brighton, said: “I’m so devastated to see what’s happening in Ukraine.

“My prayers are with Ukraine. I can’t believe we’re witnessing war in Europe in 2022, this world seems to be moving backwards.”

In a statement published on the website Archwell, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they “stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine”.

They said: "Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law, and we encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same."

Newick-born Piers Morgan took to Twitter to condemn “bully boy” Putin following news of the invasion.

He said: “This is an act of war by a bully-boy thug who doesn’t think the rest of the world has the guts or will to stop him. Shameful.

“Putin’s doing this because he got away with it last time in Crimea. And if he gets away with it again in Ukraine, he’ll keep invading other countries until he restores the Soviet Union.

“The world must unite to stop this ruthless dictator - before it’s too late.”

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