Two worshippers killed in attack on Manchester synagogue

At least two people have been killed in an attack on a synagogue in the northern English city of Manchester on Thursday.

An attacker, wearing what appeared to be a bomb vest, drove a car into a crowd and started stabbing people inside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area of the city, just north of the city centre, at around 9.30am.

"Firearms officers were deployed at 9.34am as police continued to receive further reports from members of the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife," the Greater Manchester Police said.

"Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender."

The man shot is believed to be dead, pending checks that have been delayed due to suspicious items located near his body.

Neither the man's identity nor that of his victims have been confirmed. Another three people were wounded in the attack.

Footage shared on social media showed two armed police officers in a standoff with the suspected attacker, who was writhing on the ground.

A member of the public is heard warning the police that the man has a bomb and the suspect is seen reaching for something before being shot.

UK’s largest Jewish body condemns weaponisation of food in Gaza

Read More »

The attack occurred during Yom Kippur, the holiest religious event in the Jewish calendar, and worshippers had been gathering at the site of the attack ahead of religious services.

According to witnesses, the attacker did not make it inside the facility, as he was stopped by police before he could do so.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would cut short a meeting in Copenhagen to return to London in the wake of the attack.

"The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected," Starmer said.

"I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."

Condolences also came in from King Charles III, who said: "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.

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

Northern Manchester is home to a large Jewish community, with large populations recorded in the area as far back as the mid-18th century.