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Police have confirmed two members of the Jewish community have died following car and knife attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar
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Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the “vile” attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester after two people were killed.
Speaking after chairing a Cobra meeting, the prime minister condemned the attack that targeted “Jews because they are Jews” as he said Britain “must defeat” rising antisemitism.
He said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.”
Police are treating the car and stabbing attack which killed two members of the Jewish community as a terror incident. The attacker was fatally shot within seven minutes of the original report to the police.
He was wearing a vest that looked like an “explosive device”, which was later found to be “non viable”.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the national head of counter-terrorism policing, also confirmed two arrests have been made in a statement outside New Scotland Yard in London.
Greater Manchester Police have praised those who stopped the attacker from getting into the synagogue and calling the police as soon as they saw what was happening.
The home secretary has acknowledged there are “many questions still to be answered” after today’s attack.
Speaking at a press conference at the scene on Thursday evening, Shabana Mahmood said: “I know that there are many questions that are still to be answered and rest assured they will be answered as quickly as possible.
“It will just take a little time for us to establish exactly what has happened here but we will share more information as soon as we are able to.
“What I do want to say is to those who seek to divide us. They will fail.”
Andy Burnham thanked the emergency services and the Community Security Trust (CST) for their support.
“We will never let acts that are designed to cause hatred, division and violence in our communities succeed,” he said.
“That’s our message tonight to everybody across Greater Manchester. Do not let them succeed.
“Respond by reaching out. By re-doubling efforts to work together and stand together in these troubling times.”
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood and the Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are now holding a press conference.
They were seen shaking hands of officers who have been on the scene today as they arrived on the scene.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement following the attack today.
He said in a statement: “Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester.
“Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded.
“As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism.
“Only strength and unity can defeat it.”
Sir Keir Starmer condemned a “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.
Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.
“So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.
“Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.”
Britain must defeat rising antisemitism, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Giving a statement from 10 Downing Street, he said: “Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.
“Today’s horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.
“On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences to the families and victims affected. I want to thank the Greater Manchester police, the first responders and those dedicated security specialists, there is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery.”
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to do “everything in his power” to guarantee the safety of the Jewish community.
“To every Jewish person in this country, I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do,” he said in a statement after charing a Cobra meeting.
“And so on behalf of our country I express my solidarity but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears.
“Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.
“And so I promise that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security you deserve – Starting with a more visible police presence protecting your community.
“I promise you over the coming days you will see the other Britain. The Britain of compassion, of decency of love.
“And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong.”
Sir Keir Starmer is giving a statement after he chaired a Cobra meeting.
We will bring you the latest updates here.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the device the suspect was wearing was not viable.
Pictures from the scene appeared to show the suspect wearing a belt of what looked like explosives.
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