The Chief Rabbi described today’s attack as “not only an assault on the Jewish community, but an attack on the very foundations of humanity and the values of compassion, dignity, and respect which we all share.”

He said he had spoken to Rabbi Daniel Walker, the spiritual leader of Heaton Park Synagogue, praising his “courageous leadership” and the “resilience of his congregation,” which he said is “an inspiration to us all.”

Concluding his statement, the Chief Rabbi added: “May the victims’ memories be for a blessing and may the injured be granted a swift recovery. I pray that this tragedy strengthens our collective resolve to confront antisemitism, in all its guises, once and for all.”

Greater Manchester Police have provided an update on the attack, confirming that two men have died and three others remain in hospital with serious injuries.

According to the force, one victim has a stab wound, another was struck by the vehicle involved in the incident, and a third “later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.”

Police are working to formally identify the two deceased victims.

The force has named 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie as the person believed to be responsible for the attack.

Police say that based on current information, there are no records showing previous referrals for him to the counter-terror Prevent programme.

Greater Manchester Police have identified the person responsible for the attack as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie.

“He is a British citizen of Syrian descent,” the force says. They add that formal identification is yet to take place.

Following the terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, Victim Support has urged victims and their families to reach out for help via their free support line.

“We are saddened and appalled by the attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and send our deepest sympathies to all those affected,” the organisation said.

“This attack is not only on this synagogue but on the entire Jewish community on Yom Kippur. Victim Support stands firmly against racism, antisemitism, and violence, and we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.”

Those affected can contact Victim Support’s free 24/7 Supportline at 08 08 1689 111, or use the live chat service on their website.

Sir Keir Starmer, accompanied by his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, visited a synagogue in London this evening. Lady Victoria is Jewish.

Residents of Haversham Court remain evacuated, unable to return to their homes.

One woman told reporter Emma Butterworth that she has been outside since 10:30 a.m. and is struggling to cope.

“What can you do apart from freeze out here? I haven’t brought any money, and my phone’s dead,” she said.

She added she first noticed something was wrong shortly before 10 a.m. when she heard “the most peculiar bang” and couldn’t identify what it was.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the UK’s Jewish community following the synagogue attack, saying Israel grieves with them.

“As I warned at the UN, weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism,” Netanyahu said, referencing his address to the UN General Assembly in New York last week.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also criticised what he called “blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement” in the UK. He said Britain’s Jewish community is “suffering from a horrific wave of antisemitism” and accused UK authorities of failing to take sufficient action.

“The authorities in Britain have failed to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist,” Sa’ar said. “We expect more than words from the Starmer government. We expect and demand a change of course, effective action, and enforcement.”

In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain “must defeat” antisemitism and promised a “more visible police presence” in the Jewish community.

Investigators currently believe the Manchester synagogue attack was an Islamist terror plot, the Daily Express understands.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham thanked the police, ambulance service, firefighters, and volunteers for their bravery, calling their response “exemplary.”

He described the incident as a “horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends” and affirmed that Manchester will “always stand together” and “never let acts designed to cause hatred, division and violence” succeed.

He urged residents to support their neighbours and community “in these difficult times.”

Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig said: “We know this will leave a deep mark on our community here in Manchester as Jewish people were attacked on their holiest day as they went to worship”, she says.

Tonight is a difficult moment of “sadness and reflection”, she continues, “but I know that Manchester will come together in declaring that hate has no place in our city”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she is “horrified” by the antisemitic synagogue attack, offered prayers for the victims, thanked emergency services, and vowed to do “whatever is required” to protect the Jewish community, while noting answers will take time.

New Home Office figures indicate that religious hate crimes targeting Jewish people in England and Wales have doubled over the past year.

Police recorded 3,282 offences against Jewish people in the year ending March 2024, compared with 1,543 the previous year. These incidents accounted for roughly a third of all religious hate crimes recorded by police.

While hate crimes targeting Muslims also increased during the same period, Jewish people were affected at a higher rate. There were 121 religious hate crimes per 10,000 Jewish people, compared with 10 per 10,000 Muslims.

The Home Office noted that the rise in hate crimes against both Jewish and Muslim communities coincided with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: “I’ve been in contact with the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, the home secretary and the police. The Met Police service will be stepping up high visibility policing in and around synagogues in London.”

The Prime Minister issued a statement after the deadly stabbing.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, issued a statement expressing deep shock and solidarity with the Jewish community following the terror attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.

“The murder of two Jewish worshippers, the injuries to others, and the attempt to drive a car into a crowd in Manchester are appalling acts of hatred that must never be accepted in our society. That this violence was directed at the Jewish community, and on Yom Kippur — the holiest of days, is profoundly disturbing.

“Christians and Jews are bound together in faith, with Jewish people regarded in the Catholic tradition as our ‘elder brothers’ in belief. My heartfelt prayers, and those of the entire Catholic community, are with the victims, the bereaved, the injured, and all who tonight feel more vulnerable.

“It is our shared responsibility to build a society rooted in cohesion and respect, where such acts of violence and inhumanity have no place.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the deadly attack.

He said: “Israel stands in mourning with the Jewish community in Britain after this brutal terrorist assault. We share in the grief of the families who lost loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. As I cautioned at the United Nations, weakness in the face of terrorism only fuels further violence, only through strength and unity can it be overcome.”

Members of the Jewish community arrived following the incident.

The Jewish community in Britain has faced “an increase in the climate of intimidation and fear,” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Badenoch described the attacks as “disgusting and vile” and said she was “absolutely horrified” by the incidents.

She offered her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to those seriously injured.

“One of my core beliefs is that we need to make sure that Britain is a safe country for Jewish people,” she added. “Many fled the Holocaust in Europe and found sanctuary here.

We must continue to be a safe place for them today.”

Badenoch also noted a recent rise in antisemitism, saying: “What we have seen over the last few years, especially since October 7, is an increase in the climate of intimidation and fear.”

She paid tribute to the swift response of Manchester Police and to members of the synagogue community who fought off the attacker and protected themselves.

Labour leader Keir Starmer offered his condolences to the families affected by this morning’s attack and praised emergency responders for helping prevent “an even greater tragedy.”

Speaking directly to the Jewish community, Starmer said, “On behalf of our country, I express our solidarity, and also my sadness that you should still live with these fears.”

He pledged to do everything in his power to “guarantee you the security you deserve” and promised that the community would soon see a “Britain of decency, of compassion and of love.”

Starmer concluded his statement with a commitment to unity, saying: “We’ll come together to wrap our arms around your community. We will show you Britain is a country where you and your family can be safe, secure, and belong.”

Sir Keir Starmer condemned today’s “terrorist attack” committed by “a vile individual”.

Speaking from Downing Street, he said:

He added:

Keir Starmer has called the incident “an attack on Jews because they were Jews”.

The PM added that antisemitism “is a hatred rising once again”, and “we must defeat it once again”.

He then reassured British Jews that the Government would ensure they are safe.

Today’s attack on the Jewish community is “devastating”, officials say.

Police are stepping up patrols at synagogues across the UK.

They are working to build a “full intelligence picture”.

Israel’s foreign affairs minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote on X:

A “vest which had the appearance of an explosive device” worn by the suspect in the Manchester synagogue terror attack was not viable, Greater Manchester Police has said.

Two people were killed in the attack and four people remain in hospital.

The suspected perpetrator was shot dead.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson has voiced support for the Jewish community following the attack in Manchester.

Speaking to reporters in Belfast, he said:

Sky News has reported that the COBRA meeting is understood to be coming to an end soon.

An update is expected to be issued after its conclusion.

The meeting is being chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by key officials to coordinate a high-level response to the attack earlier today.

Chief constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Stephen Watson said:

GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said security staff and worshipers helped prevent the attacker from gaining access to the synagogue.

He told reporters:

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said during a press conference this afternoon that the suspected synagogue attacker was wearing “a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device”.

He said:

Manchester United said:

Manchester City said:

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will join the Cobra meeting led by Sir Keir Starmer in response to the attack in Crumpsall remotely from Greater Manchester, it has been reported.

Ms Mahmood travelled to Greater Manchester Police headquarters on Thursday afternoon for an operational update and to show her support to officers, the PA news agency reports.

She has also spoken with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, as well as with Jewish community leaders, including Marc Levy of the Jewish Leadership Council and Mark Gardner, CST chief executive, to offer any support needed.

A harrowing image has shown the suspect lying on the ground just moments after a deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue.

The chilling photo, taken shortly after the incident, shows the man on the ground with a knife just inches away.

A bomb disposal officer can be seen walking towards him, while what appears to be a backpack and a broken flowerpot lie nearby.

Read more here.

The leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch believes that this morning’s terrorist attack raises questions we need to ask ourselves as a nation.

She said on X: “The murders in Manchester shock us all.

“Jews murdered simply for being Jews. That should not be the UK of 2025. But it is.

“On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Jews take time for introspection. To ask themselves – where have we gone wrong in the past, and what do we need to do to be better in the future.

“These are questions we urgently need to ask ourselves as a nation.

“Today’s murders raise new questions. And they will require new answers.”

GMP have given an update to the media in which they confirmed that they believe that they know the identity of the attacker.

In an updated statement, North West Ambulance Service said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life as a result of the horrific incident on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, this morning, and our condolences go out to all the victims, their families, and the broader Jewish Community across the North West.

“Our crews assessed and treated patients at the scene and took four patients to local hospitals.

“We can confirm that ambulances remain on scene to support the incident response.

“We would like to thank our frontline colleagues and emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication in such challenging circumstances.

“While there has been no impact on the ability to provide emergency care to the wider community as a result of this incident, we would like to remind people only to call 999 in an emergency. NHS 111 online is available for non-urgent health advice.”

The Bishop of Manchester David Walker has told the Daily Express says it felt right that he attended the scene to show solidarity with the Jewish community on the holiest day of the year.

A witness told BBC Radio Manchester he saw the armed police officers shoot the suspect twice, once after he tried to get back up off the ground.

The speaker, named as Gareth, told the station that he was driving in the area making deliveries when he saw what he thought initially was a car crash.

He said: “We got a bit closer, we’ve seen a guy bleeding out on the floor. He was just basically unconscious on the floor, presumed, obviously dead.

“There was a guy in front of the car – he just lay on the floor. We couldn’t really see him.

“There was a few people stood on the road, somebody shouted ‘He’s in the school’ or the synagogue.

“And then as we looked over, the guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in the school. And then within seconds, the police arrived.

“They give him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen, so they opened fire. He went down on the floor, and then he started getting back up, and then they shot him again.”

Police have given an update to the media, confirming that the incident is being treated as terrorism and that three people remain in a serious condition.

Watch in full below.

Two people have been arrested over the attack at a synagogue in Manchester in which two people were killed and a man was shot dead by armed police, the Met’s head of counter terrorism policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said, adding it had been declared a “terrorist incident”.

Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “This morning, an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall in Manchester. Two people have died. The attacker has been shot dead by the police.

“We believe we know their identity, but for safety reasons at the scene, we’re unable to confirm at this stage.

“Three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests, and based on what we know, counter terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident.”

Counter terrorism police are working with officers in Greater Manchester to investigate the attack.

Mr Taylor added: “Those who have been killed injured at the forefront of our minds as of their families, friends, and all of those who love them and attack them on Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating.”

A New Scotland Yard spokesperson has asked the public to remain vigilant following the attack

He said: “Please remain vigilant, be alert to what is happening in your communities and report anything suspicious to police.”

New Scotland Yard have confirmed that the attack is now being treated as a terrorist incident.

A former national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, Nick Aldworth, has outlined what the police’s priorities will regarding the attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, he said that there will be three main priorities for the police, the first being to “manage” what has happened and is happening at the scene of the incident.

The second will be to investigate their own use of lethal force, which he said is “always taken very seriously”.

Thirdly, they will be trying to work out whether the suspect was working alone or as part of a wider network, and whether there is “any other enduring threat across the UK”.

Authorities are giving an update to the media following this morning’s attack in Manchester.

We are expecting an update on the attack in Manchester at around 3pm.

We will bring you any new information as we have it and you can watch it live here.

The Prince and Princess of Wales said in a personal message posted on social media: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of the terrible attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

“The fact that this tragedy occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more shocking.

“We are thinking of the entire community as well as the emergency responders who attended this terrible incident.”

The message was signed “W & C”.

An Army Air Corps helicopter, often used by the SAS, has been seen hovering above the scene.

The Dauphin helicopter, painted in civilian colours, was deployed during the London Bridge attacks and is known to be based on camps used by 22 SAS.

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Dr David Walker, has said it is important not to allow rhetoric “get ahead of our humanity” as he responded to the attack at a synagogue in his diocese.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World At One, he said: “It’s really important that we recognise the power of our words, and that we that we don’t allow our rhetoric to get ahead of our humanity.”

Asked whether he thinks that has been happening in political discussions lately, he said: “I think it’s been happening. It’s not a phenomenon restricted to United Kingdom, I think it’s across the world.

“The fact that it was such a stark contrast when the wife of a man murdered in the USA a couple of weeks ago actually came out and said hate is not the answer, love is the answer, even to the extent that she would forgive the perpetrator…

“I mean, that was a remarkable statement, but it was remarkable partly because it contrasts so much with the rhetoric that we that we’re getting in the USA and elsewhere: a rising tide of, often political leaders or aspiring political leaders for whom division is a useful tool to play.

“And I hope that this event just makes it more clear than ever that that is not the way for a mature society to go.”

He said that he hopes the attack on the synagogue will “cause us all to take careful stock of who we are and what we are and what sort of society we want to be, and that short-term political gain is no excuse for long-term damage to the fabric of our communities”.

A resident who lives opposite the synagogue said he saw “some blood” at the bottom of the rabbi’s robe when he left his flat after being told to evacuate by police.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Josh Aronson said: “So this morning about 9.30 I heard what sounded like shots, and then I heard sirens, and too many sirens, and then the police helicopters. And I was like, okay, there’s something going on.

“Police wouldn’t allow us out of our flat building. Shortly afterwards, police came knocked on our doors and told us we have to evacuate.

“As I was walking down, I did see the rabbi of the synagogue. On this day it’s their prayer, so they wear a special, long white robe. I saw at the bottom of his robe, there was some blood, and it’s just, you know, been a shock.”

The car involved in the incident is understood to be a black Kia Picanto registered initially in Nottingham with a valid MOT.While investigating the activity on White House Avenue, where it’s understood at least one arrest was made this morning, a loud ‘bang’ could be heard.Now Greater Manchester Police have said that noise was them gaining entry to the suspects car.They said: “In response to today’s major incident in Crumpsall, a loud noise was heard at the scene as specialist resources gained entry to the suspect’s vehicle as a precaution.”

Police have now confirmed that the attacker is now dead after bomb disposal soldiers nulified the potential threat from suspicious items on his person.

Chris Riches the Daily Express Correspondent for North-West England and Wales is currently at the scene in Manchester.

A man who lives on White House Avenue close to the synagogue said he saw two men in handcuffs being led away by police.

The man, who did not wanted to be identified, told the PA news agency: “They’ve arrested two people on our road.”

He said he did not know the men, or which house they were linked to.

He said he had been at work when his wife had called and told him to come home due to the incident.

“They’ve closed the road and there’s a police helicopter just over us. There were six or seven police cars with armed police,” he added.

He said White House Avenue is a no-through road and is usually “very quiet”.

Mike Peake, Chair of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific events this morning and we wish well to those still injured.

“The bravery of our colleagues involved in this incident – running towards extreme danger and dealing with an extreme threat – is to be commended.

“We can rightly be proud of our emergency services today. They are the best of the best in the most tragic of circumstances.”Greater Manchester Police Federation are offering all colleagues involved our full support.”

The Metropolitan Police have issued an update as they attempt to reassure Jewish communities across the capital.

They say that there is nothing to suggest an increased threat but that additional resources are being deployed to boroughs with significant Jewish populations.

According to witnesses at the scene, a loud controlled explosion has been heard at the scene.

Bomb disposal experts from the British Army are currently deployed to the scene.

Members of the Jewish community comfort each other near to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two people died in a suspected terror attack by a man who was shot dead by police.

The British Muslim Trust described the attack as “despicable” and “cowardly”, and said it stands with the Jewish community.

The trust, a Government-funded organisation selected this year to monitor incidents of anti-Muslim hate, warned no-one should be allowed to “exploit this violence to deepen the division they seek”.

British Muslim Trust chief executive Akeela Ahmed said: “The attack in Manchester this morning is shocking and utterly abhorrent, and to commit these acts on Yom Kippur is sickening. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and our thoughts and best wishes go to all those affected.

“There is never, and can never be, any place for this sort of despicable, cowardly violence in our society. The British Muslim Trust stands with all victims of hate, and in particular today with the Jewish community, the people of Manchester and the Community Security Trust.

“We utterly condemn this disgraceful attack and offer our support to those left to pick up the pieces.

“Finally, in worrying times like these we ask Muslims and all communities to look out for each other and remain vigilant. We know there are some who will seek to exploit this violence to deepen the division they seek – we must not let them.”

A man believed to have been inside the synagogue during the attack can be seen with blood on his robes as an armed police officer tries to clear the scene.

Footage from the scene shows the moment a man, believed to be the attacker, was shot by armed police.

As the attacker is seen lying prone on the ground but moving, members of the public can be heard urging the armed police officers to shoot the man, telling them “he’s got a bomb”.

The camera pans around to show a member of the public in a pool of blood before a shot rings out.

The police have said that the attacker is now believed to be dead, but cannot be pronounced dead officially due to suspicious items on his person.

British Army bomb disposal specialist deployed to the scene are from 11 EOD and Search Regiment, Royal Logistics Corp, the MOD has confirmed.

PA reports that a street around a quarter of a mile down the road from the synagogue appears to be the focus of intense police activity.

Armed police stood guard outside of blue police tape at the cordon on White House Avenue in Crumpsall.

A number of police vehicles were parked further down the avenue, but the exact property they are attending could not be made out from the cordon.

Greater Manchester’s NHS has asked members of the public to only attend A&E if their injuries are urgent or life-threatening.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and care of patients and staff across the region, and we are working closely with partners to manage any impact on local hospitals and emergency departments.

“We urge the public to only attend Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments if your condition is urgent or life-threatening.

“This will help us prioritise care for those most in need and ensure emergency teams can respond effectively to this incident.”

Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Emily Spurell said forces across the country are making efforts to reassure Jewish communities.

“I am shocked by this morning’s attack at a synagogue on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

“My thoughts are with the Jewish community and all those caught up in this troubling incident.

“I would urge people not to speculate about the circumstances and allow the police to investigate.

“Forces nationwide are responding quickly with additional resources deployed to synagogues to reassure Jewish communities across the country everything is being done to keep them safe.”

The lockdown that was introdued at Northern Care Alliance Hospitals has now been lifted, according to the M.E.N.

An internal note to staff said the major incident is continuing following this morning’s synagogue attack, but that the lockdown precautions had been removed.

Colleagues were praised for their ‘rapid action and response’ following the attack which killed two people and left three others seriously injured.

Counter terror police are currently searching houses on a street close to where today’s fatal incident happened, according to the Manchester Evening News.

A short distance away from the synagogue in Crumpsall, police officers armed with Heckler & Koch machine guns stood guard at the head of a path, between houses, leading up to the back of the synagogue.

Bomb disposal unit vans are also at the scene along with army personnel.

Police said there are ‘suspicious items’ on the suspect who was shot at the scene, which is now being assessed.

Labour MP Josh Simons believes that the timing of the attack is no coincidence.

He said: “A century ago, North Manchester welcomed my Jewish family fleeing persecution. The North of England embraced them as they fled violence and hatred abroad.

“The attack today at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue fills me with sorrow and with fear. I know that members of the Jewish community in Greater Manchester, and across the country, will be feeling the same.

“It’s no accident this attack was today, on Yom Kippur, a season special to all Jewish people. I stand with the Jewish community.

“I know that Manchester’s love and kindness will show over the coming days. And I know the North will be what it has always been: tolerant and proud, a home for anyone who contributes to our towns and to our country.”

Chava Lewin, who described herself as a religious Jew lives next door to the synagogue.

Mrs Lewin said: “I was outside and heard a banging sound and I thought it might be a firework.

“My husband went outside and then ran back inside and said, ‘There’s been a terrorist attack.’

“I spoke to someone who said she was driving and saw a car driving erratically and it crashed into the gates (of the synagogue).

“She thought maybe he had a heart attack. The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue. He was in the courtyard.

“Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock.”

Another man said prayers had started when the attack happened but Rabbi Daniel Walker who was leading the service remained calm and he and others led the congregation to safety.

He added: “They are true heroes.”

A man believed to be responsible for an attack outside a synagogue has been pictured for the first time.

Read more here.

Greater Manchester Police spokesperson praised the “quick response” of a witness to the attack which allowed police to take “swift action” to prevent the offender “from entering the synagogue”.

The spokesperson said: “We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.

“We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.

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

In a message aimed at the region’s Jewish communioty, a GMP spokesperson said: : “We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.

“We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.

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

“We will continue to provide updates as we can, but I would ask anyone who believes they may have a loved one involved in today’s incident, please use the Casualty Bureau information in the first instance.

“I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today’s incident, refrains from circulating them on social media – please do share directly with GMP through http://www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk/.”

Paul Stott, Head of Secuirty and Extremism at Policy Exchange: “The targeting of a synagogue and Jews on Yom Kippur, point strongly to an antisemitic terrorist attack.

“The challenge the UK faces here is deep and enduring, and has gone on far too long. It now requires a dedicated, sustained response.”

MP Graham Stringer has said “we have to make sure these evil people do not damage our community” after the incident at a synagogue in his constituency.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, MP for Blackley and Middleton South Mr Stringer said: “The area, as you will know, coming from Salford, is a very large Jewish community next to a very large Muslim community, and by and large community relations are excellent between all the different ethnic groups and religious groups, but there are always extreme people who want to damage those relationships and want to, in this case, damage Jews and the Jewish community.”

He reflected on the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 and said: “Everybody got together because it’s not enough just to say we’re tolerant and we want better relations.

“We have to work at it and we have to make sure these evil people do not damage our community, which is comprised of many different kinds of religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds.”

Mr Stringer added: “The relationships between the Jewish community and the Greater Manchester Police are very good and they work at it. But the sad thing is, if you’ve got an evil, violent person with a car and a knife, it is very difficult to ensure that everybody is secure in that situation.”

The Israeli embassy condemned the incident in Greater Manchester, describing it as “abhorrent and deeply distressing”.

A statement released by the embassy said: “The embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom condemn the attack carried out today on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.

“That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.

“The embassy is in close contact with Manchester Jewish community, British authorities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to monitor developments, and ensure that the necessary support is provided.

“We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.

“The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”

King Charles has issued a personal message following the “horrific” attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier today.

The monarch 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.”

Video footage from the scene shows members of the British Army arriving at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police say that they are unable to confirm if the attacker is dead due to suspicious items around on his person.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Greater Manchester Police can confirm two people have died following the major incident outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Middleton Road, Crumpsall.

“A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP Firearms Officers and is also believed to be deceased.

It cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues surround suspicious items on his person. The bomb disposal unit has been called and is now at the scene.”

Read more here.

Security sources have told the Express it is “unclear” if the Heaton Park attacker was previously known to them but insiders say the prompt decision by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to call an immediate Cobra meeting indicates that the attacker “may well mean” he was on anti-terror police’s radar.

They say it is crucial to establish if he was acting as a “lone wolf” of if he has associates who may be planning further atrocities.

Sadiq Khan has sent his condolences as he confirms that additional patrols will be conducted in Jewish communities.

He said on X: “I’m horrified by the violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

“I have been in contact with the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Home Secretary, and would like to reassure Londoners that the Met Police are stepping up patrols in Jewish communities and synagogues across London.

“My thoughts are with all those affected on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. London stands ready to help in any way we can.”

Keir Starmer spoke to the media as he boarded a flight back to the UK to chair a COBRA meeting.

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

“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.

“I’ve spoken to Mark Gardner of the CST [Community Security Trust], and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester.

“I want to thank the emergency services for the speed of their response.”

Responding to the events in Manchester, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “I am horrified by the attack at a synagogue in Manchester today, particularly on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected and the Jewish community who will be suffering at this time, and my thanks go to the emergency services.”

Local resident Olivia Gold said she had friends who attend the synagogue.

She told the PA news agency: “It would have been very, very busy. I live around the corner, but I’ve walked around to give support. It’s now just police doing what they do.

“I came out to see what was happening because I heard three helicopters.

“It’s just horrendous. We’re a quiet community, just leave us alone. We don’t want any of this.

“I think the response by police has been absolutely brilliant. They got here really, really quickly.”

It is understood that one member of the public has now died following the attack, with another believed to be fighting for their life.

A rabbi has described the attack at the synagogue as “every Jewish person’s worst nightmare”.

Rabbi Jonathan Romain, emeritus rabbi of Maidenhead Synagogue and current head of the Rabbinic Court of Great Britain, said he felt “appalled” by what had happened,

He told the PA news agency: “This is every Rabbi’s or every Jewish person’s worst nightmare.

“Not only is this a sacred day, the most sacred in the Jewish calendar, but it’s also a time of mass gathering, and the time when the Jewish community, however religious or irreligious, gathers together.”

He added: “This will obviously heighten the fears that many Jews have had, that political violence would spill over into religious hatred.”

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “The attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester is deeply concerning as families gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish faith.

“My thoughts are with all those affected and injured and with the emergency services who are at the scene and responding.

“We must show our support for the Jewish community at this time.”

Sir Keir Starmer said he was “absolutely shocked” by the attack in Manchester and “additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country”.

Speaking before he flew back from Copenhagen to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on the incident, he said: “The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected.

“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.

“I’ve spoken to Mark Gardner of the CST [Community Security Trust], and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester.

“I want to thank the emergency services for the speed of their response.”

It is understood the security guard reported to have been attacked with a knife in the incident on Thursday was not part of the Community Security Trust.

Photos show worshippers being evacuated to safety and British soldiers working at the scene as they investigate a potential bomb threat.

Speaking as he boarded a plane to fly back to the UK and chair a COBRA meeting, Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer said: “Additional police assets are already being deployed to synagogues across the country.”

Posting on Bluesky, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

“My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.”

Bomb disposal, performed by specially trained members of the Royal Logistics Corp of the British Army are on the scene now to assess and dispose of any threats.

An onlooker told the Manchester Evening News: “I can see the air ambulance, which has just taken off. The police helicopter is still overhead. The Army guys have just turned up.

“They’ve driven through the cordon with blue lights on. The bomb dispoal unit is about 200-300 yards away from the cordon. There are dozens and dozens of emergency services here. The scale of it is unreal.”

Salford Royal, Fairfield General, Rochdale Infirmary, and the Royal Oldham hospitals are all ‘on lockdown’ after the incident, our sister title, Manchester Evening News, reports.

The first pictures from the scene of an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester show counter terror police armed with guns.

A huge emergency response has descended on Middleton Road, Crumspall, after a car rammed into pedestrians outside Heaton Park Synagogue at around 9.38am.

Four people have been injured from the vehicle as well as being stabbed.

Read the full story here.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said he was “appalled” by the attack.

In a statement, the Conservative shadow minister said: “This is a sickening attack on people at a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester – on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the whole Jewish community here in the UK.

“I know everyone will want to support the emergency services in their work.

“I am appalled not only by this brutal attack, but also by the evil that lies behind it.”

Kemi Badenoch described the incident in Greater Manchester as a “vile and disgusting attack”.

The Conservative leader told BBC Radio Bristol: “It does look like an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day, Yom Kippur.

“I think it is a vile and disgusting attack. I know that many Jewish people in our country feel that they’re no longer safe and my heart goes out to the people who have been hurt by this, and everyone who’s been affected.”

She added: “I want to say to Jewish people all around our country that you belong here. Britain is a country which will look after you.

“We need to make sure that the rise in antisemitism that we’re seeing in our country is quelled completely.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said one victim appeared to be a security guard who had been attacked with a knife.

He said: “It would seem that some of the security used by our colleagues in the Jewish community has really played a role here in preventing it being a worse situation.”

A white lorry marked ‘Bomb Disposal’ has arrived at the scene and gone behind the cordon outside the synagogue.

In video shared on social media, an onlooker could be heard saying that the suspect “has got a bomb on him” and appears to be trying to press a button to detonate it.

“He’s going to blow himself up, he’s trying to press the button,” the person is heard to say before there is the sound of a gunshot and the person falls to the ground.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones said that in the coming “hours and days we will want to make sure we’re doing absolutely everything we can to ensure the safety of Jewish communities.”

She added: “It’s an emerging situation, obviously I’m being kept informed.”

A white lorry marked “Bomb Disposal” has arrived at the synagogue.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has condemned the attack on a synagogue.

She said: “I am horrified by the news of an attack at a synagogue in Manchester today, on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

“My first thoughts are with the victims, our brave police and emergency services.

“I am being kept updated by Greater Manchester Police. I urge people to follow the advice of the emergency services.”

Community Security Trust (CST) said: “CST is working with police and the local Jewish community following a serious incident at a synagogue in north Manchester.

“This appears to be an appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year.

“We thank the GMP officers and synagogue security who responded immediately to deal with the incident.”

Sir Keir Starmer will fly home early from a meeting of European leaders to chair a Cobra meeting following the attack at a synagogue in Greater Manchester, it is understood.

Police said it had “declared Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.

A Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA) is a fast-moving violent attack where assailants move through a location aimed to find and kill or injure as many people as possible.

Police guidance states that “most deaths occur in the first few minutes, before police are able to respond.”

Dave Rich, of the Community Security Trust (CST) – a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, said the day is similar to Christmas Day for Christians, but is a day of solemnity and fasting rather than celebration.

He said: “Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year.

“It’s a very solemn day and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day.

“There’s always a significant security operation in place between police and CST across the Jewish community on all major Jewish festivals.”

A Jewish man, among a group of shocked onlookers at the cordon, told PA that his wife and daughter and other members of the congregation were still inside the synagogue.

A number of black, unmarked police 4×4 vehicles and vans carrying plain clothes officers with face coverings were seen leaving the area of the incident at speed.

A Jewish man said: “It is the holiest day of the year and we get this. There is no place for Jews in Britain anymore. It’s over.”

The Prime Minister has broken his silence on the incident in Manchester this morning

Sir Keir Starmer has said he was “appalled” at the attack at the synagogue in Crumpsall, adding: “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.”

The attacker is understood to have been shot dead by armed police, according to Mayor Andy Burnham.

He told the BBC: “it is believed” that the offender is deceased, but says this “is not confirmed”.

Earlier reports had indicated that the attacker was “no longer a threat”.

A video, too graphic to share, but seen by the Daily Express, shows the aftermath of the attack, which injured four people.

The video, shared on social media, appeared to show police officers pointing guns at someone lying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue.

The armed officers shouted at onlookers to “get back” and “move on”.

The person on the ground is seen starting to get up before there is the sound of a gunshot, and they fall to the ground.

Another person was shown lying motionless on the ground outside the synagogue gates with blood near their head.

The area around the synagogue was swamped by dozens of police vehicles, along with fire and ambulance crews, while the force helicopter hovered overhead shortly after the incident.

The surrounding streets were cordoned off with more police cars and vans, sirens blaring, racing down neighbouring roads.

Police officers dressed in black combat fatigues and carrying machine guns could also be seen inside the cordon outside the synagogue.

Photos show multiple armed police officers and medical workers.

Manchester Evening News reporter Greta Simpson is currently at the scene and has described the scale of the mergency services response to the attack.

Photos show the scale of the emergency response by armed police, counter terrorism officers and ambulance services.

Andy Burnham says police were initially called at 9.31am after reports a man was stabbed.

Firearms officers were deployed at 9.34am.

A major incident was declared at 9.37am.

Four members of the public were injured, Mr Burnham said.

A video seen by the Daily Express appears to show the immediate aftermath of the armed police response to the attack.

In the footage, a car appears to have been driven into gates outside a building bearing the Star of David.

A man lies unmoving beside it while armed police stand over another man on the floor inside the building’s grounds and usher members of the public away from the threat.

It’s now been confirmed that four people have been injured. More to follow.

Photos from the scene show a heavy emergency services presence in the surrounding area following the attack.

Speaking to the BBC, Andy Burnham thanked the mergency services for their efforts following the attack.

He said: “It’s a serious incident I have to say.

“I would say to people to avoid the area because it’s a serious incident but at the same time I can give some reassurance that the immediate danger appears top be over and GMP have dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public and security at the location.

“The situation has been dealt with very effectively by GMP and those on-site.”

Contreary to initial reports, one person has been stabbed in the attack, Manchester Police have said.

Andy Burnham says a car was driven at members of the public outside the synagogue.

Firearms officers were deployed following reports a security guard had been attacked with a knife.

Shots were fired at 9.38am and one man was shot, believed to be the offender, he told the BBC.

One person has been stabbed at a synangue in Greater Manchester, police have confirmed.

Armed police descended on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, this morning following the incident at Heaton Park synagogue.

The suspect is believed to have tried to enter the building, but was shot by officers before he was able to do so. His condition is unknown but he is believed to be alive.

Mayor Andy Burnham has also confirmed a car was driven at pedestrians shortly before at around 9.38am.

North West Ambulance Service has declared a major incident, with the road completely locked down by emergency services.

More to follow.

The attack happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism.

The incident occuered in Crumpsall, Manchester earlier this morning.

The incident is on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, where a man is believed to have been shot by police after a stabbing at Heaton Park synagogue.

Take a look at the map below.

The suspect believed to be behind the attack on the synagogue has been shot by armed police, according to reports.

Andy Burnham has added that the “immediate danger appears to be over”.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, he said: “At the same time, I can give some assurance that the immediate danger appears to be over.”

North West Ambulance Service says it is at the scene of a major incident in Crumpsall, north Manchester, following reports of a stabbing at a synagogue.

A statement said: “Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.

“We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.

“Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”

It is being reported that multiple people have been stabbed in the ‘serious incident’, although the condition of the victims remains unknown.

Police are at the scene of a reported stabbing at a synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester Police said. We’ll be bringing you the latest updates.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has told BBC Radio Manchester that what’s happened is a “serious incident”.