ISRAEL has slammed the UK government for not doing enough and warned that antisemitism is on the rise after the vile synagogue attack.
Tel Aviv said British authorities “failed” to tackle the “toxic wave of antisemitism” which led to the terror rampage.
Police shot the knifeman at the scene after multiple people were hurt[/caption]
A suspected knifeman who was shot dead by cops after unleashing a ‘terror’ rampage which left two dead[/caption]
Armed police officers stand with their weapons inside a Police cordon near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester[/caption]
Armed police officers talk with members of the community near the synagogue[/caption]
Two people tragically died and four are in hospital after the horror unfolded outside Manchester’s Heaton Park synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar today.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said: “I am appalled by the murderous attack near the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on the morning of the holiest day for the Jewish people: Yom Kippur.
“The truth must be told: blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement, as well as calls of support for terror, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the streets of London, in cities across Britain, and on its campuses.
“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.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country “grieves with the Jewish community in the UK” after this morning’s “barbaric terror attack” in Manchester.
“Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded,” he said on X.
“As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”
Sir Keir – who cut short his trip to Denmark and rushed back to chair a Cobra meeting – condemned antisemitism and said that Britain “must defeat it once again”.
Speaking from Downing Street, the PM blasted the “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.
Sir Keir said: “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.
“So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.
“Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.”
Starmer said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
The terror attack unfolded when a vehicle struck the synagogue’s gates before the driver got out and began stabbing people.
What we know so far:
The attack began at 9.31am when a car drove “erratically” towards a group of worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur services on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
- Two people have been killed in an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester and four others are seriously injured
- A witness said a car was driven towards members of the public and a man had been stabbed
- Counter-terror police have confirmed the attack is being treated as a terror incident
- The suspect was shot dead 9.38am by armed police
- A controlled explosion was heard at the police cordon
- Hospitals were placed on lockdown and patients were asked to stay away unless it was an emergency
Two people died in the horror – both members of the Jewish community – and four more remain in hospital in a serious condition.
The suspect was shot dead by firearms officers at 9:38am – before he managed to enter the building.
Cops confirmed the man was wearing a vest which had the “appearance of an explosive device”.
Though they added that the device the suspect was wearing was “not viable”.
Operation Plato – cops’ response to marauding terrorist attacks – has now been stood down, but it remains a major incident.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Chief Constable Stephen Watson branded today’s attack as a “horrific incident”.
Shocking aftermath pictures show what is believed to be a bomb belt and a knife near the attacker.
A witness said: “He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue.”
Another bystander said: “The guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in.”
A man – believed to be a security guard – is one of the victims.
A white lorry marked “Bomb Disposal” earlier arrived at the scene and went behind the cordon outside the synagogue.
A “loud bang” was heard, which police have confirmed was from specialist officers gaining entry to the suspect’s vehicle “as a precaution”.
In video shared on social media, an onlooker could be heard saying that the suspect “has got a bomb on him” and appeared to be trying to press a button to detonate it.
“He’s going to blow himself up, he’s trying to press the button,” the person is heard to say – before there a gunshot rings out and the suspect falls to the ground.
Those inside the building reportedly barricaded the doors.
An eyewitness said prayers had started when the horror unfolded but Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading the service, remained calm and led the congregation to safety with the help of others.
The man added: “They are true heroes.”
A delivery driver, who gave his name as Gareth, told BBC Radio Manchester: “The guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in the synagogue.
“And then within seconds the police arrived. They gave him a couple of warnings.
“He didn’t listen, so they opened fire. He went down on the floor, and then he started getting back up, and then they shot him again.”
The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, prompting increased security at synagogues[/caption]
Members of the emergency services evacuate members of the community after the attack[/caption]
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It is believed that the offender is deceased… It would appear that it is contained, although, obviously, the scene is very much an active scene.”
Policing minister Sarah Jones said the government was being kept updated: “Antisemitism has no place in our society, and we must make sure we’re protecting Jewish people against attacks.”
The Heaton Park attack has shaken Manchester’s Jewish community, with other synagogues cancelling services amid security fears.
Manchester Reform Synagogue told worshippers: “Yom Kippur services cancelled. Do not attend… For security reasons we are cancelling today’s services with immediate effect.”
Greater Manchester Police urged people to stay away from the scene, confirming: “Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 and are tending to four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.”
The incident comes as the UK steps up protection of Jewish sites amid rising antisemitic threats.
Police patrols were reinforced at synagogues across the country following the terror attack.
Armed police fatally shot the suspect, who was believed to be acting alone[/caption]
Police officers with riot vans arrive at the scene on Thursday[/caption]
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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