In a horrifying incident that unfolded on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar, a deranged individual wielding a knife wreaked havoc outside a UK synagogue, resulting in the death of two people and injuries to five others.
The assailant, who was shot dead by the police before he could enter the synagogue, had rammed his car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.
According to The New York Post, the gruesome attack took place around 9:30 a.m., while numerous worshippers were inside the synagogue. The police were alerted to the scene by a witness who reported seeing a car plow into pedestrians, followed by a man being stabbed and left in a pool of blood outside the synagogue.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling scene, with one stating, The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue. Another observer described the assailant wielding a knife and attempting to break the synagogue's window to gain entry.
The severity of the incident is underscored by the fact that two victims have been confirmed dead, and three others are in a serious condition. However, the total number of individuals knifed in the stabbing frenzy remains unclear.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, expressed his shock and horror at the incident, stating, Im appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.
While authorities have not yet labeled the incident as a terror attack, the police declared PLATO upon arriving at the scene. This national code-word is used by police and emergency services when responding to a marauding terror attack.
Bomb experts are currently investigating whether the attacker was carrying an explosive device at the time of the attack.
Social media footage captured a bystander claiming the perpetrator had a bomb on him as police officers urgently instructed people to move away. The bystander can be heard saying, Hes going to blow himself up, hes trying to press the button, before a gunshot is heard.
The worshippers inside the synagogue reportedly barricaded the doors as police neutralized the suspect. The Greater Manchester Police spokesperson acknowledged the shock and fear this attack would have instilled in the community, especially as it occurred on the Jewish communitys holiest day.
They expressed gratitude to the public member whose quick response allowed for swift police action, preventing the offender from entering the synagogue.
The Israeli embassy in the UK was quick to condemn the attack, stating, That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.
The embassy thanked the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response and emphasized the need for the safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom to be guaranteed.
As the investigation continues, the Greater Manchester Police remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester, providing reassurance and promising continued support as long as necessary. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of community in times of crisis.
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