Latest Updates on Manchester Synagogue Attack

Emergency services responded to an attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday morning, where two Jewish individuals were killed in a car ramming and stabbing incident.

The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar, and is being treated as a terror incident by the police. The attacker, whose identity is known, was shot dead by armed officers at the scene.

The incident took place at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at 09:31 BST on Thursday, with reports of a car driving towards the public and a man being stabbed. The police declared a major incident, arriving at the scene within minutes and shooting the suspect dead at 09:38.

A significant number of people were inside the synagogue at the time of the attack and were kept safe inside while the area was secured. Worshippers at the synagogue helped prevent the attacker from entering the building.

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with one resident witnessing a vehicle rushing towards people followed by a man with a knife. Another witness saw a man bleeding on the ground and the subsequent police intervention.

The police response included declaring a "Plato" response for large-scale incidents, with the area cordoned off as emergency services arrived. Two Jewish individuals were confirmed dead, and four others were hospitalized with serious injuries from both the vehicle and stab wounds.

The attack was later declared a terrorist incident, with the suspect believed to have been wearing an explosive device. Additional arrests were made, and a bomb disposal unit was called to the scene for safety reasons. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack and pledged increased police presence at synagogues nationwide for security.