Here's everything we know about the attack on a Manchester Synagogue, which claimed the lives of two people.
The incident, which took place on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, has sparked widespread outrage, with both a car and a knife believed to have been involved in the violence.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded swiftly to the scene, where reports indicated that a vehicle was driven at worshippers outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
Simultaneously, a security guard at the synagogue was reportedly attacked with a knife.
The Attack Unfolds
Police received multiple emergency calls about the attack at 9:31AM on Thursday (October 2).
Witnesses reported a car being driven at people who were gathered outside the synagogue, followed by the stabbing of the security guard.
The suspect was shot by armed police at 9:38AM, and was later confirmed dead, according to Sky News.
Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the attacker, but have confirmed that details remain undisclosed as counter-terrorism police are involved in the investigation.
Terrorist Incident Declared
The attack was officially declared a terrorist incident by Greater Manchester Police.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism unit emphasized that two arrests have been made.
Taylor reassured the public that intelligence agencies are working closely to gather further information.
Victims Of The Attack
Initially, police reported four individuals had been injured by both the vehicle and stab wounds.
Tragically, two victims were later confirmed dead at the scene. Four other individuals remain hospitalized with serious injuries, BBC News reported.
In the wake of the horrific incident, police declared a “Plato” response, the national code for a terror attack.
Armed police, emergency teams, and fire crews arrived at the scene, and a bomb disposal unit was also deployed to investigate suspicious items discovered on the suspect.
Middleton Road, where the synagogue is located, remains closed as police maintain a cordon around the area.
As authorities continue their probe, the Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security at Jewish sites across the UK, has promised to strengthen safety measures at synagogues and Jewish schools.
Community and National Reactions
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared that he was "appalled" and "absolutely shocked," and vowed to deploy additional police to synagogues across the UK to ensure the Jewish community feels safe.
King Charles and his wife Camilla also issued a statement, expressing their deep sorrow over the attack: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services," per LBC.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also voiced his concerns, especially during Yom Kippur, a time of reflection for Jewish people worldwide.
"At this time of year, when Jewish people across the world are commemorating Yom Kippur, it's incredibly worrying that we've seen this awful attack on a synagogue in Manchester," he said, per BBC.
"I want to reassure them that London will be seeing additional police officers. People should be allowed to go about and practice their faith knowing that they're going to be safe."
"Unfortunately, too many Jewish Londoners, Jewish people across the country, Jewish people across the globe, don't feel that way. And that's heartbreaking," he added.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.