A major incident has been declared after a stabbing attack outside a synagogue in north Manchester today. Two people have been killed and the suspect shot dead.
Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.
Armed police raced to the scene on Middleton Road in the Crumpsall area this morning along with paramedics.
The area was closed between Wilton Road and Crumpsall Lane, with a huge emergency services presence in attendance. Officers later shot and killed the male suspect at the scene at around 9.38am.
FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES FROM THE SCENE HERE
Police and the North West Ambulance Service confirmed a major incident was declared. Firearms officers were deployed following reports a security guard had been attacked with a knife, it's understood.
Mayor Andy Burnham spoke out about the incident on BBC Radio Manchester. He said a 'serious incident' took place and that police had been called to the scene after a car had been driven at members of the public.
People have been asked to avoid the area.
Mr Burnham said: "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."
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson 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."
At 12.15pm GMP issued this statement: “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/."
An earlier police statement, issued at 10.50am, said: "We’re responding to an incident outside a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester.
"Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, and one man had been stabbed.
"Firearms officers were deployed at 9.34am as police continued to receive further reports from members of the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife.
"GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.
"Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 and are tending to members of the public, currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident."
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