Two people have been killed in a stabbing and car ramming incident at a synagogue. The suspect has since been shot dead by police.
According to police, three other members of the public were also injured and “remain in a serious condition.” The attack has since been declared a terrorist incident by police.
Officers were alerted at 9:31am after a member of the public reported seeing a vehicle being driven at people and a man being stabbed outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road.
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Photos of the incident show the emergency services’ response as armed police and fire and rescue teams patrol the area. Bomb disposal units were also present at the scene.
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The body of the attacker was examined by a bomb disposal technician after being shot by police. A bomb disposal robot was seen, alongside a knife nearby on the ground and other items that were thought to have been strapped to the attacker’s waist.
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Sir Keir Starmer has since condemned the “horrific” attack, adding he was “appalled”. Confirming that extra police presence would be seen around synagogues across the country, he said: “We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.”
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Counter-terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor has issued a statement following the major incident. He says it is “devastating” for the incident to happen on Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days for the Jewish community.
Commissioner Laurence Taylor explained counter-terrorism police are deploying all resources possible and they will make sure all lines of inquiry are investigated to build a full picture in the coming days and weeks.
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The Prime Minister also thanked emergency services for the speed in their response, adding that he would chair an emergency COBRA meeting once he returned to London from Copenhagen.
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Featured image via SWNS
