LAST UPDATE | 2 Oct

BRITISH POLICE HAVE named the suspect in the terror attack on a Manchester synagogue as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.

Three people have been arrested over the attack at a synagogue in Manchester in which two people were killed and the attacker, believed to be Al-Shamie, was shot dead by armed police.

The Met police’s head of counter terrorism policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the attack has been declared a “terrorist incident”.

“Three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests, and based on what we know, counter terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident.”

The UK’s prime minister Keir Starmer promised Britain’s Jewish community he will do everything in his power to guarantee their safety and security in the aftermath of a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue.

Starmer, who flew back to the UK from a European leaders’ summit in Denmark upon hearing of the attack, said Jews in Britain can expect to see a more visible police presence.

“To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this: I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do,” Starmer said. 

“And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.

“And so 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.

“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.

“And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong.” 

Two members of the Jewish community were killed in the attack, Greater Manchester Police chief constable Stephen Watson told a press conference.

The attacker, who was wearing a vest which looked like an explosive device, was shot dead within seven minutes of the initial call to police, Watson said.

It has since been determined that it was not a viable explosive vest. 

The stabbing and car-ramming occurred this morning at a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Manchester police said this morning that they received a call from a member of the public, who reportedly witnessed “a car being driven towards members of the public”, and said that one man had been stabbed.

It is believed that there were large crowds gathered at the synagogue for Yom Kippur, which began at sunset yesterday and ends at nightfall today.

Taylor said police would be stepping up patrols at synagogues and Jewish sites across the country, and urged members of the public to report anything suspicious.

Shots were fired by police firearms officers at the scene shortly before 9.40am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.

The bomb disposal unit had been called to attend the scene.

Paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after 9.40am, and are tending to members of the public.

Five members of the public were treated for injuries, which police say were caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds. Two of the injured have since passed away.

Police at the scene of the incident. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester that a “serious incident” had occurred at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, but said the “immediate danger” had passed.

He praised the swift response of officers and urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue.

A large cordon was put in place, with paramedics seen attending the scene on Middleton Road this morning.

Armed police officers at the scene of the incident. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

NHS North West Ambulance Service confirmed it had dispatched resources following reports of the incident.

In a statement, the organisation said it was “assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services”, adding that its priority was ensuring those affected received medical treatment as quickly as possible.

Irish President Michael D Higgins was among many who extended their condolences to those affected by the attack, condemning it as “horrific”.

With reporting from Press Association