What we know about the synagogue attack in Manchester

A man has been shot by police after an attack at a synagogue left two dead in Manchester.

The attack, which comes on the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar – Yom Kippur – involved a car and a knife, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

At least three other people have been seriously injured.

Here’s everything we know so far.

How did the attack happen?

Police received a call from a member of the public at 9.31am on Thursday morning, who said a man had been stabbed and a car has been driven towards members of the public at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.

Police received further reports from the public in the minutes that followed, saying that a security guard had been attacked with a knife.

The synagogue is on Middleton Road in Crumpsall – a neighbourhood about three miles north of Manchester’s city centre.

The force said a “large number of people” were worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the attack.

A police spokesperson praised the “quick response” of a witness to the attack which allowed police to take “swift action” to prevent the offender “from entering the synagogue”.

Police shoot man at the scene

A man believed to be the offender was shot by firearms officers at the scene at 9.38am.

Video posted on social media appeared to show police officers pointing guns at someone laying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue. The armed officers shouted at onlookers to “get back” and “move on”.

The person on the ground is seen starting to get up before there is the sound of a gunshot and they fall to the ground.

Another person was shown lying motionless on the ground outside the synagogue gates.

In its most recent update, GMP said the man who is believed to be the offender was “believed to be deceased” after being shot by police.

A photograph has emerged on social media that appears to show the suspected attacker outside the synagogue.

Sky News has cross-referenced the image with video from the scene of the attack.

What do we know about the victims?

Police initially said four people were injured after the attack and were being treated for injuries “caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds”.

They later confirmed that two victims had died at the scene, and said that three other members of the public were in a serious condition.

What is happening now?

Armed police officers, emergency response teams and fire crews are at the scene, with police helicopters flying overhead.

A bomb disposal unit is also at the scene, as police have said the suspect’s condition cannot be confirmed due to “suspicious items on his person”.

Middleton Road has been closed between Wilton Road and Crumpsall Lane, the Manchester Evening News reported, adding a police cordon is in place.

North West Ambulance Service said in a statement: “Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.

“We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.

“Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”