Keir Starmer will chair an emergency Cobra meeting in response to the attack, which has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar
Amy-Clare Martin, Crime Correspondent and Rebecca Whittaker, Independent
Police declared a major incident after three people, including a suspect, died in an “appalling” stabbing and car attack at a synagogue in Greater Manchester.
Dozens of armed officers, fire and ambulance crews have swarmed to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, while a police helicopter hovers overhead and a bomb disposal unit is deployed.
Shocked members of the community have gathered outside as the attack comes on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
A security guard is reported to have been stabbed and several others hit by a car. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the suspect was shot and is thought to be dead, but this cannot yet be confirmed due to safety issues. Three other people remain in a serious condition.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack and “additional police assets” will be deployed at synagogues across the country as he flies back to the UK from Denmark to chair a Cobra meeting.
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said it is a “serious incident” and advised people to avoid the area.
Members of the public and congregants seen as Police and other emergency responders attend the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, where multiple were injured after stabbing and car attack on Yom Kippur.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.
“We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.
“We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.
“We will continue to provide updates as we can, but I would ask anyone who believes they may have a loved one involved in today’s incident, please use the Casualty Bureau information in the first instance.
“I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today’s incident, refrains from circulating them on social media – please do share directly with GMP through http://www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk/.”
Police confirm three people have died
Police have confirmed two people have died following the major incident
A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP Firearms Officers and is also believed to be deceased.
Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.
A large number of people who were worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the incident, were held inside while the immediate area was made safe but have since been evacuated.
Reform UK leader has said he is ‘horrified’ by the attack
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said he is “horrified” by the attack at a synagogue in Manchester and sent his “thoughts and prayers” to those affected.
He said: “I am horrified by the attack at a synagogue in Manchester today, particularly on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected and the Jewish community who will be suffering at this time, and my thanks go to the emergency services.”
The last sort of thing that needed to happen right now or at any time.
Whoever did it, for whatever reason, social media will ignite & there will be even more division.
Sad times