2 Killed, 4 Injured In Suspected Terror Attack At UK Synagogue; Suspect Shot
Two people have been killed and four others injured in a horrific car and stabbing attack at a synagogue in Manchester, UK, in what police are treating as a suspected terrorist incident. The attack took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a suspect was shot by armed officers at the scene.The incident unfolded when police received an emergency call from a member of the public reporting that a car had been driven at worshippers, followed by a man being stabbed.
The force immediately declared a major incident and activated PLATO, the official designation for a suspected terrorist attack. Within a minute, armed officers were on the scene and fired shots, striking a man believed to be the assailant.Paramedics arrived shortly after and treated four injured members of the public for injuries sustained from both the vehicle and the knife attack. Their current conditions have not been disclosed. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency services remain active.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the event as a “serious incident” but assured the public that “the immediate danger appears to be over.” He praised the swift and effective response of the police in dealing with the situation. The timing of the attack on Yom Kippur, a solemn day of fasting and prayer, meant the synagogue would have been hosting a large number of congregants, adding a particularly grim dimension to the tragedy.
