Police in northern England have reported that two people were killed and three others seriously injured in an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police stated that the suspect is also believed to be dead. Bomb experts are investigating whether the attacker carried an explosive device.
The incident occurred at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said, “It is believed that the offender is deceased, although it’s not confirmed. A degree of reassurance can be given that it’s not a developing, an ongoing, incident.”
Car Driven into Crowd, Man Stabbed
According to Greater Manchester Police, they were called shortly after 9:30 a.m. by a member of the public who witnessed a car being driven toward pedestrians and a man being stabbed. Minutes later, firearms officers shot a man believed to be the attacker. “One man has been shot, believed to be the offender,” the police said. Four victims were treated for injuries from both the vehicle and stab wounds. Police also declared “Plato,” a national code-word used when responding to a marauding terror attack, though this does not automatically indicate a terrorist incident.
UK Prime Minister condemns attack
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, stating he was appalled and would deploy additional officers at synagogues across the U.K. He said, “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.”
Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust, a charity monitoring antisemitism, highlighted the significance of the day, saying, “It’s a very solemn day and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day. There is always a significant security operation in place between police and the trust across the Jewish community on all major Jewish festivals.”
Manchester has previously been the site of Britain’s deadliest recent attack, the 2017 Ariana Grande concert bombing that killed 22 people. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and details surrounding Thursday’s violent incident.