Police were alerted at 9:31 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, to an attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, where a gunman attempted to enter the synagogue, killing four and shooting the suspect.
Attack Outside Manchester Synagogue
Police received a report at 9:31 a.m. on Thursday, 2 October of an attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on Middleton Road in the Crumpsall district. A witness said a car was driven toward pedestrians and a man was stabbed.
Another witness described the situation as a collision but also observed a person with a knife approaching and attempting to enter a nearby building.
Police Receive Alert and Shoot
Within a few seconds police arrived, issued several warnings to the suspect, who ignored them and opened fire, resulting in the assailant being shot.
Casualties and Suspect
BBC reports that a total of four people were injured. The attacker was shot, and Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said there is a belief that he has died, although this has not been confirmed.
Keir Starmer Condemns Attack
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his outrage at the attack, noting that it occurred on Jom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and offered condolences to the families of the victims while thanking rescue services.
Prime Minister Comments on Security Measures
Starmer announced that additional police forces would be deployed across the country after the incident to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
