Accra: A car and knife attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, which has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, has been officially declared a terrorist incident. The attack occurred outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester. Counter-terrorism police have arrested two individuals following the incident, which ended with the suspect being shot dead by police on Thursday.
According to Ghana News Agency, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of counter-terrorism policing at the Metropolitan Police, stated during a press conference that the suspect's identity is known but cannot be disclosed due to 'safety reasons at the scene'. Greater Manchester Police reported that three individuals are in serious condition following the attack and confirmed the deployment of a bomb disposal unit to the synagogue.
Social media footage appeared to show the public alerting firearms officers that the suspect had a bomb strapped to his body. Police confirmed the suspect's death after shots were fired by armed police at 9:38 am, although initial confirmation was delayed due to concerns about suspicious items on the suspect's person.
An online image showed the alleged attacker, a bearded man in dark clothing, standing outside the synagogue with unidentified objects strapped to his waist, holding an item in his hand. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that 'additional police assets' will be deployed to synagogues nationwide following the attack.
Police declared a major incident at 9:37 am after a witness reported a car being driven towards the public and a stabbing. The suspect's death was confirmed a few hours after shots were fired. Following the attack, a loud explosion was heard as 'specialist resources gained entry to the suspect's vehicle as a precaution'.
The attack coincided with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a time when synagogues are typically busy with observances.
