They are the latest in a series of prominent figures to issue a statement in relation to the attack
William and Kate have issued a statement after the terrible attack in Manchester(Image: PA)
The Prince and Princess of Wales have issued a statement after the “terrible” attack at Heaton Park Synagogue on Thursday morning.
Following the terror attack in Crumpsall, north Manchester, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that two people have tragically been killed and the suspect shot dead.
GMP has confirmed the attack, which saw a car driven at members of the public and a stabbing, happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, at 9.30am.
The suspect did not gain access to the building, the M.E.N understands that he was shot at the scene by armed police because it was believed he had a device, or devices, on his person. It has not yet been confirmed whether they were viable but an image has since emerged of the suspect wearing the item.
Bomb disposal services attended the scene in north Manchester.
Emergency services remain at the scene in north Manchester near where the attack took place(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, have issued a statement on Thursday afternoon following the attack.
They said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of the terrible attack at Heaton Park Synagogue”.
It comes after a statement from King Charles which said he and the Queen were ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.
He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Five people, including a security guard, were injured in the attack and in an update issued at 12pm, police confirmed that two members of the public had tragically been killed and the suspect shot dead. Three others remain in a serious condition.
As of Thursday afternoon, a huge cordon remains in place with a second police scene just yards from the synagogue. Witnesses living in the street have seen two people arrested.
Security across the city has also been stepped up in the wake of the fatal attack. Lucy Powell MP said “urgent steps have been put in place to keep our Jewish communities safe”, with security at the region’s synagogues increased.
A cordon remains in place in Crumpsall, north Manchester(Image: Joel Goodman)
A woman, who described herself as a religious Jew who lives next door to the synagogue, said as soon as the suspect got out of the car he “started stabbing anyone near him”.
Chava Lewin 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.”