Two members of the public have tragically died after a reported terror attack outside a synagogue – before the suspected knifeman was shot by cops.
A car was driven at a crowd and people were stabbed outside Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester this morning on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
Five people were injured after a car was driven at a crowd and a man, believed to be a security guard, was stabbed outside the synagogue.
Armed cops scrambled to the scene in Crumpsall, north of Manchester, where eyewitnesses said a car was “driving erratically” before crashing into the synagogue gates. A witness said: ” The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue.”
A man – who is believed to be the offender – was shot dead by firearms officers at 9.38am. He did not manage to enter the building.
What we know so far…
- Two people killed in attack, third person – thought to be the offender – is believed to be dead
- Cops were called to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Greater Manchester at 9.31am
- A witness said a car was driven towards members of the public and a man had been stabbed
- Police declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am
- PLATO refers to the agreed national response protocol in the UK for a “marauding terrorist attack”
- A man – believed to be the attacker – was shot 9.38am
- Cops confirmed four people were injured by both the vehicle and stab wounds
- Hospitals across Manchester are on lockdown
