UPDATE - 2 dead, 3 injured in Manchester synagogue attack

UPDATES WITH LATEST DETAILS

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - Two people were killed and three others wounded in an attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, and a man believed to be the attacker was shot by police, authorities said.

Greater Manchester Police said officers were called at about 9.31 am local time on to reports of a car being driven toward pedestrians outside the synagogue in Crumpsall and a man being stabbed. Firearms officers were deployed and a man believed to be the suspect was shot by the officers.

The police said it can confirm two people have died and “three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.”

“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.”

The force declared a “major incident” and activated Operation Plato, the protocol used when officers suspect a marauding terror scenario.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC Radio Manchester that the immediate danger appeared to have passed, and that it was “a serious incident.” He added that one of the injured may have been a security guard.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who went to Copenhagen for the European Political Community gathering, cut his trip short and was returning to the country to chair an emergency Cabinet meeting.

“I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. 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.”

Investigators from counterterrorism units and MI5 joined the inquiry, and authorities urged the public to stay clear of the area and allow emergency services to work.