Terrorist attack on Jewish temple in Manchester, UK, two people killed, attacker shot dead by police

London: Two people were killed and three others injured in a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester, UK on Thursday. Police also shot dead a suspect. The attack occurred when people were gathered at a synagogue on the occasion of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Israel has condemned the attack.

What Manchester Police said

Greater Manchester Police said three people injured in the attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road in the Crumpsall area of ​​northern England remained in a critical condition. Police initially described the attack as a "major incident." The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command later confirmed that police were now treating the matter as a counter-terrorism investigation and that two arrests had been made in connection with the attack.

Police said-this is a terrorist attack

"Based on the information we have received, counter-terrorism police have labeled this a terrorist incident," Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Lawrence Taylor said at a news conference. Police said some people, including a security guard posted outside a synagogue, were stabbed and several others were run over by a car.

Police launched 'Operation Plato'

Upon learning of the incident, police internally announced the launch of "Operation Plato," a tactic used by emergency services to respond to "terrorist attacks." Photos shared on social media showed a suspect with something tied around his waist. Police confirmed that a bomb disposal unit had been dispatched to the scene.

British Prime Minister returns from foreign tour

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer left the European leaders' summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, and returned to London upon learning of the attack. He will chair an emergency security meeting at 10 Downing Street (the British Prime Minister's official residence and office). Starmer said he was "appalled" by the attack. He said, "We will do everything possible to protect our Jewish community. Additional police forces are being deployed at places of worship across the country."

Buckingham Palace expressed grief over the attack

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying King Charles III and Queen Camilla were "deeply shocked and saddened" to hear of the attack, which occurred "on such a significant day for the Jewish community." "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrific incident, and we commend the swift action of the emergency services," the statement said.

Prince William, Kate Express Condolences

Prince William of Wales and his wife Kate said in a message posted on social media, "Our thoughts are with the victims of the horrific attack on Heaton Park Synagogue. This attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, which makes it all the more horrific." According to local police, specialist officers were approaching the suspect's vehicle as a precaution when a loud noise was heard at the scene. Police also praised an eyewitness who helped stop the attacker from entering the synagogue.

Police praised the common citizens

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "We know this horrific attack on the Jewish community's holiest day today will have caused deep shock and fear across our communities. We are grateful to an ordinary person whose quick reaction allowed us to take immediate action and prevent the perpetrator from entering the place of worship."

The Israeli embassy condemned the attack

"We are in direct contact with all places of worship in Greater Manchester to reassure them of their safety and this will continue for as long as necessary," the spokesperson said. He urged the public to refrain from sharing footage of the scene on social media. The Israeli Embassy in London described the attack as "abhorrent and deeply saddening.