London : At least two people died and several others sustained injuries in a mass stabbing attack near a synagogue in Manchester, UK, on Thursday, the local police authorities reported. Meanwhile, police said responding officers shot a third person, a “man believed to be the offender.” In a statement, police noted that they “cannot currently confirm” the suspect’s death due to safety concerns surrounding suspicious items on him. Additionally, the bomb disposal unit has arrived at the site of the incident, ABC News reported.
The local authorities confirmed that at least three more people suffered injuries and “remain in a serious condition.” According to reports, the assailants attacked outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, according to law enforcement.
Police reported that the injuries resulted from vehicle impact and stab wounds. They said a member of the public told responding officers that he saw a car driven towards a crowd. Consequently, firearms officers immediately responded to the call.
Terming it a major incident, the police gave it a “PLATO” designation, a law enforcement shorthand indicating that they treat the event as a potential marauding terrorist attack, ABC News reported. Importantly, the attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he feels “appalled” by the attack and announced that he will chair a COBRA (government emergency committee) meeting after returning to London.
Starmer added that the attack occurring on Yom Kippur “makes it all the more horrific.” Moreover, he expressed sympathies to the families of those affected and thanked emergency services and first responders.
“I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders,” Starmer posted on X.
Speaking to reporters before returning to the UK, Starmer said, “The attack in Manchester this morning shocks everyone, and all our thoughts are with those affected. I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. Meanwhile, additional police assets are already deploying to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.”
–IANS
