Two dead in terror attack at Manchester synagogue, suspect shot dead

London: Two people have died and four are in hospital after an assailant drove into pedestrians and stabbed victims outside a synagogue in Manchester on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police said a man believed to be the offender was shot dead and a bomb disposal unit had been called to the scene in north-west England.

The attack was declared a terrorist incident and police said they believed they knew the identity of the assailant. Two people linked to the attack have been arrested.

“A large number of people 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,” police said.

The police said they were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall shortly after 9.30am, local time, by a member of the public.

Video taken at the scene appears to show a suspect being shot and a victim suffering serious injuries in the stabbing attack.

A member of the public told police he had witnessed a car being driven towards people, and that one man had been stabbed.

Ambulance crews were seen in protective body armour and helmets, and at least one person was seen being taken into an ambulance. One man lay prone on the ground.

Local members of the synagogue had gathered to celebrate Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement and regarded as the holiest day of the year in Judaism.

In one video shared on social media showing the aftermath of the attack, the police urged bystanders to move back, while a suspect was on the ground next to the synagogue wall. A policeman warned that the suspect had a bomb. When the man on the ground attempted to get up, he was shot.

One witness to the events told the BBC that the attack looked like a normal collision with a car until they came closer and saw one man injured on the ground and another trying to get into the building.

“The guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in,” said the witness, Gareth.

“And then within seconds, the police arrived, they give him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen so they opened fire. He went down… and then he started getting back up. And then they shot him again.”

King Charles expressed shock at the attack.

“My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community,” he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”

Greater Manchester Area Mayor Andy Burnham said the danger appeared to be over after the incident, north of the centre of Manchester.

“I can only imagine how people are feeling when they hear this news, the fear that that will bring,” Burnham told the BBC.

“Every single person in Greater Manchester this morning should be standing with our Jewish community as they go through this experience, this trauma, that they will be experiencing today.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said police support would be stepped up around synagogues across the capital, and he said he had spoken to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood about tighter security.

“I know, as it is, the Jewish people have been feeling scared,” Khan said.

“People should be allowed to go about and practise their faith, knowing they’re going to be safe. Unfortunately, too many Jewish people across the country, Jewish people across the globe, don’t feel that way, and that’s heartbreaking.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cut short a visit to Copenhagen for a meeting with European Union leaders and is planning to hold security talks in London, calling what is known as a COBRA meeting to deal with an emergency. He said he had deployed more police to synagogues.

“I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall,” the prime minister said. “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said Jewish people deserved to know they were not alone.

“This was a vile and disgusting attack on a synagogue in Manchester,” she said.

“On Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – families gathered in prayer were targets for violence. My heart goes out to all those hurt and affected. I know many in our Jewish community will feel shaken. They deserve to know they are not alone.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was horrified at the attack.

“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,” he said.

with Reuters, AP

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