Manchester: Two people have been killed and several others injured in a horrific stabbing and car attack outside a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, which police have declared a terrorist incident. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the incident unfolded outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall. A man armed with a knife reportedly stabbed multiple individuals, including a security guard, before driving a car into members of the public. The attacker was later shot dead by police officers at the scene.

Three people remain in serious condition in hospital.

Initially treated as a major incident, the situation was quickly escalated into a counter-terrorism investigation. The Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command confirmed that two arrests had been made in connection with the attack.

“Based on what we know, counter-terrorism police have declared this a terrorist incident,” said Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the national lead for counter-terrorism policing.

The incident prompted authorities to declare Operation Plato, the emergency services’ code word for a marauding terror attack. Images circulating on social media showed the suspect with what appeared to be items strapped to his waist. A bomb disposal unit was dispatched to the scene as a precaution.

Police praised a member of the public whose swift actions prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue.

“We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result, the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue,” said a GMP spokesperson.

The force also urged the public to avoid sharing images or videos from the scene online and confirmed that synagogues across Greater Manchester would receive continued police support and reassurance.

National Response and Condemnation

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who cut short his visit to the European Political Community summit in Denmark to return for a national security meeting, said he was "appalled" and "absolutely shocked".

“We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe,”

Starmer said, adding that additional police resources were being deployed to synagogues nationwide.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, saying they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the attack.

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

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, also shared their sympathies in a social media message:

“The fact that this tragedy occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more shocking. We are thinking of the entire community as well as the emergency responders who attended this terrible incident.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the attack “horrifying” and expressed her gratitude to the emergency services.

“My first thoughts are with the victims, our brave police and emergency services,” she said.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham described it as a “vile attack” and pledged full support to the Jewish community.

“We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe. We stand with Greater Manchester's Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them,” Burnham stated.

The Israeli Embassy in the UK condemned the violence, describing the attack as “abhorrent and deeply distressing.”

(AP)