2 dead after Manchester synagogue car and stabbing attack, suspect shot by cops

Following a car and stabbing attack in UK's Manchester, at least two people have been confirmed dead. UK PM Keir Starmer has called for an emergency meet.

At least two people were killed and three are seriously injured after the attack at a synagogue in Manchester. As per police, a “major incident” was declared after a car rammed into a synagogue on Thursday, following which the suspect carried out a stabbing spree.

Emergency personnel work at the scene, after a reported attack in which a car was driven at pedestrians and one person was stabbed near a synagogue in north Manchester, Britain(REUTERS)

As per DW, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) declared the attack as a "major incident". Officials added that they were called at 09:31 AM to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road.

Initial reports suggests that a car being driven at members of the public. Officers said one man was also stabbed during the incident. Police officials added the suspect was shot at and is believed to be dead.

However, the death of the suspected attacker “cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues surround suspicious items on his person,” police said told reporters. A bomb disposal unit as also called to the scene.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, reacted to the attack, calling it a “serious incident.”

"I would say to people listening, firstly to avoid the area - it is a serious incident, but at the same time I can give some reassurance immediately to people that the immediate danger appears to be over, and Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly," the mayor told BBC radio.

“The Jewish community who have seen rising incidents of antisemitism over recent times and have been living with a higher state of anxiety because of the times that we’re living in,” Burnham added.

Starmer calls for emergency meeting

Following the attack, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called a crisis COBRA meeting. The attack also comes on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

On his way back to the UK from Copenhagen, the PM said additional police were being deployed to synagogues across the country.

“We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe,” added, describing the attack as “shocking.”