Two people have died following an attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall and a suspect has been shot by officers, Greater Manchester Police said.
A statement said: “We can confirm two people have died following the major incident outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Middleton Road, Crumpsall.
“A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP firearms officers and is also believed to be deceased.”
Four people have also been injured in Manchester after a car was driven at members of the public and a man was stabbed outside a synagogue.
Greater Manchester Police said it was called to an incident in Middleton Road, Crumpsall, on Thursday where a man – who is believed to be the offender – was shot by firearms officers.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester: “It is believed that the offender is deceased, although it’s not confirmed.”
Sources say it is being treated as a potential terrorist incident. Counter-terrorism police and MI5, the security service covering the UK, have joined the investigation.
The incident has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
Prime minister Keir Starmer will fly home early from a meeting of European leaders. Commenting on the attack, he said: I’m 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.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
Mr Starmer said police were being deployed to synagogues across the country.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I think it is a vile and disgusting attack. I know that many Jewish people in our country feel that they’re no longer safe and my heart goes out to the people who have been hurt by this, and everyone who’s been affected.”
Earlier, in a statement, the police force said: “Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and one man had been stabbed.”
The force said it declared a major incident at 9.37am.
The statement continued: “Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.
Armed police officers talk with members of the community near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester. Photograph: PAUL CURRIE/AFP via Getty Images
“Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41am and are tending to members of the public.
“(There are) currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.
“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident.”
Earlier Mr Burnham said the incident was dealt with “effectively” by those on site and by Greater Manchester Police.
The stabbings come as members of the Jewish community observe Yom Kippur, a time when synagogues are usually particularly busy. – Agencies