Two detained in terror probe, as UK leaders vow to protect Jews

“We are working to formally identify those who have tragically been killed and provide support to their loved ones, in addition to the injured and the wider community.”

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Jewish leaders praised the rapid response by local police, who stopped the attacker within seven minutes of being called, but they expressed dismay at rising antisemitism and called on political leaders to do more to stop the hatred and violence.

The attack, declared a terrorism incident by authorities, took place as worshippers gathered at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ordered stronger police protection for all Jewish centres around Britain after he emerged from a cabinet meeting to condemn the attack.

“Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values,” he said.

Acknowledging the rising antisemitism, he addressed Jewish people directly in a televised media statement that said Britain had to defeat the hatred against Jews as it has done before.

“I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community,” he said.

The attack occurred in the northern Manchester suburb of Crumpsall, where Jewish and Muslim communities live side-by-side. Manchester has 25,000 Jews, the largest community in Britain outside London.

The Greater Manchester Police said those inside the synagogue had helped to stop attacker alongside security volunteers who managed to close the building and prevent him entering.

“Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access,” said the police chief, Sir Stephen Watson.

Witnesses described seeing a car mount the pavement and ram an individual outside the synagogue, in what they thought was an accident. They then saw a man get out of the vehicle, wielding a knife and stabbing those nearby to gain entry to the building.

In one video shared on social media showing the aftermath of the attack, the police urged bystanders to move back, while a suspect was on the ground next to the synagogue wall. A policeman warned that the suspect had a bomb. When the man on the ground attempted to get up, he was shot.

“The guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in,” said one witness, Gareth, to the BBC.

Police were called at 9.31am and stopped the attack by 9.38am.

In one video shared on social media showing the final stages of the attack, the police urged bystanders to move back, while a suspect was on the ground next to the synagogue wall. A policeman warned the public that the suspect had a bomb. When the man on the ground attempted to get up, he was shot.

The police called a bomb disposal unit and later said the suspect did not have a “viable” explosive.

While the prime minister vowed to protect the Jewish community from violence, the public shock over the Manchester attack included warnings from Jewish leaders that too little was being done to stamp out antisemitism.

Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli foreign minister, has called on the Starmer government to “curb this toxic wave of antisemitism” in the UK.

“The authorities in Britain have failed to take the necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist.

“We expect more than words from the Starmer government. We expect and demand a change of course, effective action, and enforcement against the rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement in Britain.”