WEB DESK: Manchester Police reported that at least four people were wounded and a suspect was shot outside a synagogue on Thursday in what appeared to be a vehicle ramming and stabbing attack. This incident occurred as Jews observed Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar, during which many people attend synagogues.
The police confirmed that four individuals were injured in the attack, and the suspect has been shot. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his “appall” at the incident, emphasizing that “the fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.”
Authorities stated that the suspect did not gain access to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue and could not immediately confirm the condition of either the suspect or the injured victims.
The attack occurred on Thursday morning, coinciding with Yom Kippur when large numbers of people tend to attend synagogues. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham acknowledged the feelings of the city’s Jewish community as news of the attack spread. He remarked, “I can only imagine how people are feeling when they hear this news and the fear it will bring.” Burnham also praised the police for their swift response, indicating that the suspect was shot just seven minutes after the first reports.
According to Greater Manchester Police, they received a call at 9:31 a.m. from a member of the public who reported witnessing a vehicle being driven toward pedestrians, during which one man had been stabbed. Armed police were dispatched to the scene, and the suspect was shot by 9:38 a.m. The police statement confirmed that four members of the public sustained injuries from the vehicle and stab wounds.
