British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the “vile” synagogue assailant who “attacked Jews because they are Jews” on the holiest day of the year at a Manchester synagogue, according to The Associated Press.
Starmer said the nation must defeat rising antisemitism as he promised to increase security in Jewish communities.
He spoke Thursday after leading an emergency security meeting following the attack by an assailant who drove a car into people outside a synagogue and then began stabbing them. Two people were killed and four seriously wounded on the holiest day of the Jewish year, police said.
“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love,” Starmer said.
“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.” Referring to the Holocaust, the Labour Party leader said Jews had come to Britain for refuge after “fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people.”
A video has emerged online showing armed police officers warning the public to keep away during an attack outside a synagogue in north Manchester on Thursday morning. In the clip, one officer is heard shouting: "Everybody else, get back. If you're not involved, move back, get away... he has a bomb, go away."
The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m., during Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), a man drove into pedestrians before stabbing one person. Armed officers shot him within minutes.
Police later said they could not immediately confirm the suspect’s death because of “safety issues surrounding suspicious items on his person.” A bomb disposal unit was called in to assess the situation.
The North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident, deploying additional crews. Paramedics wearing protective helmets and body armour were seen at the scene. Authorities initially reported four people injured before confirming fatalities. At least two were killed, and three others were left with serious injuries.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short his visit to Denmark to chair an emergency COBRA meeting. On X, he wrote: “I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
King Charles said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the events.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the attack as “incredibly worrying,” noting it came as Jewish communities were observing Yom Kippur. He said police patrols around synagogues in London would be increased. “People should be allowed to practise their faith knowing they are safe. Unfortunately, too many Jewish people across the country and the globe don’t feel that way, and that’s heartbreaking,” he added.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged calm, describing it as a “serious incident” but emphasising that “the immediate danger appears to be over.” He praised officers for their rapid response and asked the public to avoid the area.
Police have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect. Counterterrorism officers are assisting the investigation, though the incident has not been officially declared an act of terrorism.
With inputs from AP
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