Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Labour) has vowed to do "everything in my power" to protect Jewish communities after a terrorist attack outside a Manchester synagogue killed two people on Thursday. The attack occurred on what was described as the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
The terrorist rammed a car into people before stabbing a man outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester. Police shot the attacker dead seven minutes after being alerted to the incident at 9.37am.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed two members of the Jewish community died in the attack. Four other people remain in hospital in serious condition following the assault.
Heroic response prevents synagogue breach
A dramatic photograph shows the bearded suspect, dressed in dark clothing, standing outside the synagogue with unidentified objects strapped to his waist. People inside the building can be seen peering out of the windows after security staff and worshippers barricaded doors to prevent him entering.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson praised the "immediate bravery" of security staff and worshippers during what Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham described as a "horrific antisemitic attack". Watson told reporters: "There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack, but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access."
A bomb disposal unit attended after the attacker was seen wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest. Police later confirmed the device was not viable, and two arrests have been made, though the attacker's identity cannot be disclosed for "safety reasons".
Witness accounts reveal attack details
Chava Lewin, who lives next to the synagogue, provided detailed testimony about the attack. She said: "I was outside and heard a banging sound and I thought it might be a firework. My husband went outside and then ran back inside and said, 'there's been a terrorist attack'. I spoke to someone who said she was driving and saw a car driving erratically and it crashed into the gates (of the synagogue). She thought maybe he had a heart attack. 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. He was in the courtyard. Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock."
Rabbi Daniel Walker was leading prayers when the attack began but remained calm and helped lead the congregation to safety. Another witness called the security staff and rabbi "true heroes" for their actions during the assault.
Footage shared on social media appears to show members of the public shouting to firearms officers that the suspect had a bomb strapped to him. Police fired shots at 9.38am, with the suspect's death confirmed hours later.
Prime Minister's emergency response
Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra emergency meeting, Starmer condemned the "terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews" committed by "a vile individual". He announced "additional police assets" would be deployed at synagogues across the country.
Starmer delivered a comprehensive message to Jewish communities: "To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this: I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do. And so, on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community. I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love. And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong."
Political and royal reactions
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said it would take a "little time" to establish what happened but information would be shared "as soon as we're able". The Community Security Trust branded it an "appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year".
The King and Queen said they were "deeply shocked" by the "appalling incident". The Prince and Princess of Wales posted on social media that their "thoughts are with the victims and the families of the terrible attack".
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
