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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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Two members of the Jewish community died in a car and stabbing attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester which police are treating as a terror incident.
The attacker, who was wearing a vest that looked like an “explosive device”, was fatally shot within seven minutes of the original report to the police.
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.
“I want to share my gratitude to all of those members of the public who called the police as soon as they saw what was happening, this allowed the quick response from our officers, who were able to act swiftly and bravely to bring this horrendous attack to an end,” Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack and confirmed that “additional police assets” will be deployed at synagogues across the country as he returned to the UK from Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson has voiced support for the Jewish community following the attack in Manchester.
Speaking to reporters in Belfast, he said: “I recognise today that as we stand here there has been an atrocity in Manchester involving the Jewish community.
“And on this holy day of theirs of Yom Kippur I think it’s important that we send our best wishes to the families and the community, not only affected in Manchester, but also to our small community that feels under threat in Belfast as well, of our Jewish neighbours that worship in our city and worship in this country, which should have a proud history and record of freedom of religion and freedom from persecution.”
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.”
Both Manchester football clubs have released brief statements after today’s attack.
Manchester United said: “The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with the victims of today’s tragic events in north Manchester and we offer our support to all those affected. #ACityUnited.”
And Manchester City said: “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events which took place in Manchester this morning, and we are sending our support and condolences to all those affected during this difficult time.”
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 is understood.
Ms Mahmood travelled to Greater Manchester Police headquarters on Thursday afternoon for an operational update and to show her support to officers.
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.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the attacker was wearing “a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device”.
He said: “At this time, we know that a car was driven directly at members of the public outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall in Manchester.
“The driver of the car was seen then to attack people with a knife. He was wearing about his body a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device.”
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed two people have been arrested after today’s attack at a synagogue.
“I can confirm that two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident and urgent inquiries are ongoing,” Chief Constable Stephen Watson said.
An official from Greater Manchester Police has said the attacker was prevented from entering the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue partly thanks to the bravery of those inside.
“Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshipers inside as well as fast response of police the attacker was prevented from gaining access,” Chief Constable Stephen Watson said.
“All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm it was safe to leave the premises.”
Two members of Jewish community are dead and four more people are in hospital, police have said.
Manchester Police said there is a variety of serious injuries and treatment is ongoing.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson has said the attacker was fatally shot within seven minutes of the incident being reported to the police.
“Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender, and he was fatally shot by officers within seven minutes of the original call,” he told a press conference.
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