'Stabbing' outside synagogue in Greater Manchester as suspect shot by police
Police have swooped on a synagogue in north Manchester after a stabbing and car attack left four people injured.
Greater Manchester Police announced that a suspect had been shot by armed cops following the incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday (2 October) morning.
Officers were called to the scene in Crumpsall after a bystander reported that a car was being driven towards a crowd of people, according to GMP.
Four people have been injured as a result of the attack outside the synagogue.
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The force declared a major incident at 9.37am, and shots were fired one minute later at a man who is believed to be the offender.
The details of his condition currently remain unclear, however, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said 'it is believed' that the man is dead, but stated that this 'is not confirmed'.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was 'appalled' by the incident, adding: "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific."
A statement from GMP explained that a passerby alerted police and stated that 'he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and one man had been stabbed'.
"Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 and are tending to members of the public," it continued. "[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."
Andy Burnham described the incident as 'serious' while speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, but reassured locals that the 'immediate danger appears to be over'.
He praised GMP officers for their swift response while urging people to avoid the area.
"I can give some reassurance that the immediate danger appears to be over and GMP have dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public and security at the location," Burnham said.
"The situation has been dealt with very effectively by GMP and those on-site."
North West Ambulance Service confirmed that resources had been sent to the scene.
In a statement, NWAS said: “Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.
"We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.
"Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”
The reported stabbings come as members of the Jewish community observe Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and is a time when synagogues are usually particularly busy.
Olivia Burke