2 killed in stabbing attack on Yom Kippur in Manchester
What's the story
At least two people were killed when a man rammed his car into a group of people about to enter a synagogue before exiting and stabbing another man in Manchester, northern England. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Three others were also critically injured in the attack.
Attack aftermath
Police declare major incident
The suspected attacker is believed to have been killed after being shot by armed officers. Greater Manchester Police have declared a "major incident" and activated PLATO, a national codeword for deploying armed officers in response to such attacks. The police were called at 9:31am local time after witnesses reported seeing a car being driven toward members of the public and one man being stabbed.
Official statements
PM Starmer expresses shock
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed shock and dismay over the incident. He said, "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific." Starmer will return early from a security meeting in Copenhagen to chair an emergency Cobra meeting. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also urged people to stay away from Crumpsall following this "serious incident."
Community impact
Hospitals on lockdown
Four local hospitals have been put on lockdown after the attack. The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, called it an "appalling attack." Dave Rich of CST said Yom Kippur is a very solemn day for Jews and synagogues are usually full throughout the day. The Israeli embassy also condemned the incident as "abhorrent and deeply distressing."