Two killed, 3 critically injured in Manchester synagogue attack: UK Police

Manchester (TIP)- British police said on Thursday that four people were injured in a violent incident near a synagogue in Manchester, northwest England, Reuters reported. According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), officers were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall after receiving reports that a car had been deliberately driven at pedestrians. Witnesses also reported that one man had been stabbed.
In a series of posts on X, Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall shortly after 9:30 am by a member of the public, who said he had witnessed a car being driven toward members of the public and that one man had been stabbed.
Responding officers confronted the suspect, who was subsequently shot by police. The individual has been taken into custody and is receiving medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that four people sustained injuries during the incident. Their conditions are not yet known. Police said the situation is contained and there is no wider threat to the public.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was appalled by the attack and additional police officers would be deployed at synagogues across the UK.
On the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters, “This morning’s attack is absolutely shocking. I’m on my way back to London to chair an emergency meeting, and additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country. We will do everything we can to keep our Jewish community safe.”
King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn of the attack “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,'” the monarch said on his social media feed.
The motive behind the attack has not yet been established, and investigations are ongoing.
The incident took place as people gathered at the synagogue on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement and the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
Witnesses told police they saw a car being rammed into people walking on the street close to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, an outer suburb of Manchester. They also reported a man being stabbed.
Greater Manchester Police officers were called to the incident site at 9:31am (08:31 GMT) by a member of the public.
“GMP declared a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am,” the police stated.
Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9:41am (08:41 GMT) and were tending to members of the public.
The National Health Service (NHS) North West Ambulance Service said in a statement that its crews had treated patients at the scene, and critically injured people had been transported to hospital.