Two people have died and three others have been seriously injured in an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester.
Police were called to the Crumpsall area this morning after a car was reportedly driven at crowds and a man was stabbed.
The man suspected of carrying out the attack has been shot dead by police.
A bomb disposal unit is at the scene.
Sir Keir Starmer’s cut short a trip to Denmark and will host an emergency Cobra meeting.
He’s described the attack as ‘appalling’ and announced extra officers will be stationed at synagogues around the country.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s condemned what he says was a ‘vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day.’
It happened on Yom Kippur which is a day for fasting, praying and atonement.
The King says his thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: “I’ve been in contact with the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, the home secretary and the police. The Met Police service will be stepping up high visibility policing in and around synagogues in London.”
Lib Dem leader, Sir Ed Davey has issued this statement.
“Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.”
Sir Ed only recently visited Kingston Liberal Synagogue ahead of the holy festival. He said of his visit;
“I had the privilege of attending a service at the Kingston Liberal Synagogue just off Portsmouth Road. I had a wonderful time getting to speak to Rabbi Levi and members of the congregation.
While at the Synagogue, Rabbi Levi told me about one of the hostages held captive by Hamas that the Synagogue is sponsoring, Omri Miran. He is a father of two young daughters and has been in captivity since October 7th. My heart goes out to Omri, his family, and all those who have suffered at the hands of Hamas.
As you will know, I’ve been arguing the case for a ceasefire in Gaza for a very long time now – so we can stop the killing, get food, water and medicines into Gaza and get the hostages released.”
Statement from London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan.
“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.”
