A suspected terrorist who killed two people at a Manchester synagogue has been pictured wearing what appears to be a bullet proof vest and a possible bomb.
The man, who is believed to have been shot dead by police moments after launching the attack, targeted worshippers at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester shortly before 09:30am.
Two people were killed in the car and knife attack, which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Three others are in a serious condition, Greater Manchester Police said.
It is not clear if the device strapped to the alleged attacker is a viable explosive device but a bomb disposal unit is currently at the scene.
Footage circulating on social media shows two armed police officers shouting at the suspect as he lies on the ground after being shot.
The two firearms officers are then seen shouting at members of the public to “get back, he has got a bomb”.
Moments later the suspect attempts to get to his feet before officers shout a warning and gun shots ring out.
Another man, believed to be a security guard, can be seen lying on the ground at the entrance to the synagogue severely injured with blood pooling on the pavement around him.
Police said it had “declared Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a ‘marauding terror attack’.
Sir Keir Starmer will fly back to the UK early from a meeting of European leaders in Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on the stabbing.
He has said the Government will deploy “additional police assets” at synagogues across the country.
A number of hospitals in Greater Manchester are in “lockdown” following the incident at the synagogue in Crumpsall, it has been reported.
An internal note shared by the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) NHS Foundation Trust and seen by the Manchester Evening News said all of its sites “have been asked to immediately lock down” following the declaration of a major incident.
“We have been informed that emergency services are at the scene of an incident within Manchester. We will share further details as these become available,” the note added.
NCA hospitals include:
A father and son who were planning to attend the Heaton Park synagogue later today have said an attack was “a matter of time”.
After hearing that two people had been confirmed dead, Heath Showman, 50, said: “That’s shocking. The worst part is just not knowing who it is.”
He said an attack like this had only been a “matter of time” given the rise of anti-Semitism since the Oct 7 attacks.
He said: “It‘s been a matter of time. I’ve been coming to this synagogue for 37 years and the security has increased every year but it’s been building over the last couple of years.
“The portrayal of the conflict in Gaza has affected all Jewish people.”
Harry, his 18-year-old son, added: “The hate is always given to Jews when it’s the government who’s doing this.”
A photograph has emerged of the suspected terrorist wearing what appears to be a bullet proof vest and a possible bomb.
It is not clear if the device strapped to the alleged attacker is a viable explosive device but a bomb disposal unit has been deployed to the scene.
The suspect was shot by armed officers and is believed to be dead.
A neighbour has recalled the moment a car drove into the gate of the synagogue. 
Chava Lewin, who described herself as a religious Jew lives next door to the synagogue, told Manchester Evening News: “I was outside and heard a banging sound and I thought it might be a firework.”
Mrs Lewin said she had spoken to a neighbour who saw a car driving erratically before crashing into the synagogue’s gates. 
“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,” Mrs Lewin said. 
“Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock.”
Another man said prayers had started when the attack happened but Rabbi Daniel Walker remained calm and led the congregation to safety.
He added: “They are true heroes.”
The Israeli embassy has condemned the incident in Greater Manchester, describing it as “abhorrent and deeply distressing”.
The embassy said: “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.
“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.”
Rabbi Daniel Walker of Heaton Park synagogue has been pictured with blood on Kittel – a white robe worn by Ashkenazi Orthodox Jews. 
The Jewish population in the city of Manchester is the largest in the UK outside of London. 
Since 2011, the number of Jews living in the city has increased by about 20 per cent, to a total of 30,000 people. 
Of these, many Jews reside in the north of Manchester, in areas including Prestwich, Whitefield and Broughton. 
The location of today’s terror attack, Crumpsall, is among the neighbourhoods in the north of the city. 
The King has extended his thoughts and prayers to the Jewish community in the wake of a “horrific” attack in north Manchester.
He 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.”
The mayor of London has announced the Metropolitan Police is deploying patrols in Jewish communities and synagogues across the capital.
Sir Sadiq Khan said: “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.”
Two people have been killed in a suspected terror attack outside a synagogue, Greater Manchester Police said.
A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by armed officers and is believed to be dead.
The police said it cannot currently confirm suspicious items for safety issues, but a bomb disposal unit is at the scene.
Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area while police continue to deal with the situation.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman 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.”
A Jewish man at the scene has expressed concern that Jews are no longer welcome in Britain. 
The man,who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It is the holiest day of the year and we get this. 
“There is no place for Jews in Britain any more. It’s over.”
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 said “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.”
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