What we know about the synagogue attack in Manchester

A man has been shot by police after an attack at a synagogue left two dead in Manchester.

The attack, which comes on the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar – Yom Kippur – involved a car and a knife, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

At least three other people have been seriously injured.

Here’s everything we know so far.

How did the attack happen?

Police started receiving calls from member of the public at 9.31am on Thursday morning, saying a security guard at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall had been attacked with a knife.

They also said several others were attacked, with a car being driven at members of the public.

The synagogue is on Middleton Road in Crumpsall – a neighbourhood about three miles north of Manchester’s city centre.

The force said a “large number of people” were worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the attack.

A police spokesperson praised the “quick response” of a witness to the attack which allowed police to take “swift action” to prevent the offender “from entering the synagogue”.

Police shoot man at the scene

A man believed to be the offender was shot by firearms officers at the scene at 9.38am.

Video posted on social media appeared to show police officers pointing guns at someone laying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue. The armed officers shouted at onlookers to “get back” and “move on”.

The person on the ground is seen starting to get up before there is the sound of a gunshot and they fall to the ground.

Another person was shown lying motionless on the ground outside the synagogue gates.

Synagogue stabbing: Follow live updates from Manchester

In its most recent update, GMP said the man who is believed to be the offender was “believed to be deceased” after being shot by police.

A photograph has emerged on social media that appears to show the suspected attacker outside the synagogue.

What do we know about the victims?

Police initially said four people were injured after the attack and were being treated for injuries “caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds”.

They later confirmed that two victims had died at the scene, and said that three other members of the public were in a serious condition.

What is happening now?

GMP has declared “Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.

Armed police officers, emergency response teams and fire crews are at the scene, with police helicopters flying overhead.

A bomb disposal unit is also at the scene, as police have said the suspect’s condition cannot be confirmed due to “suspicious items on his person”.

Middleton Road has been closed between Wilton Road and Crumpsall Lane, with a police cordon is in place.

North West Ambulance Service said in a statement: “Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.

“We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.

“Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”

What has the national response been?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” and “absolutely shocked” by the attack and is set to fly home early from a meeting of European leaders in Denmark to chair an emergency COBRA meeting – the cabinet committee that handles matters of national emergency or major disruption.

“I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe,” he said.

The King has also responded to the attack, saying in a statement: “My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “horrified” by the attack in a post on social media.

“My first thoughts are with the victims, our brave police and emergency services,” she wrote, adding that she was being constantly updated by Greater Manchester Police.

“I urge people to follow the advice of the emergency services.”