London (EFE).- Two people were killed and at least three injured Thursday in a car-and-knife attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, which British police have declared a terrorist incident.
The attacker also died after being shot by security forces on the holiest day of the Jewish year, police said.
The assault occurred in the morning during Yom Kippur, when synagogues are usually busy to mark the Day of Atonement, at the Heaton Park synagogue in the Crumpsall neighborhood of northern Manchester.
Police said they were alerted by a witness who saw a vehicle plow into worshippers, followed by a stabbing.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they neutralized the attacker shortly after arriving on the scene.
Images circulating on social media showed armed officers surrounding a man lying on the ground and another person motionless nearby, blood visible near their head.
The North West Ambulance Service said it had dispatched extra personnel to provide emergency medical care and coordinate with other responders.
Later in the day, police confirmed two arrests related to the attack, though they have not released further details.
The attack has been declared a “terrorist incident,” said Laurence Taylor, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing in the United Kingdom.
Taylor delivered a statement outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters in London, saying the police believe they know the attacker’s identity. He did not give more details.
Mayor Andy Burnham said the immediate danger had passed but urged residents to remain vigilant. Police are asking citizens to avoid the area as investigations continue.
The Jewish community expressed alarm at the violence.
Dave Rich, spokesperson for the Community Security Trust, a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, condemned the assault: “Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It’s a very solemn day, and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day.”
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack.
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” the prime minister said in a post on X. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the attack.
“My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community,” the king said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services,” the statement added.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, also denounced the “violent” attack. He said police in the British capital will step up patrols in Jewish communities and synagogues, he added.
“My thoughts are with all those affected on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur,” said Khan. “London stands ready to help in any way we can.” EFE
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