UPDATE 2 - Manchester police declare Synagogue attack 'terrorist incident'

ADDED POLICE DECLARING IT TERRORISM, FRESH STATEMENTS, PREMIER STARMER ARRIVES IN UK, CHANGES IN HEADLINE AND DECK

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) —Counterterrorism police in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon declared the deadly attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue a "terrorist attack."

Two people were killed and three others wounded in an attack outside the synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, and a man believed to be the attacker was shot by police, authorities said.

Counter-terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told the media that two more arrests have been made and that the identity of the attacker is known to the police, but it cannot be confirmed at this time "for safety reasons."

Chief Constable Stephen Watson of the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says inquiries are moving "at pace" both across Greater Manchester and beyond.

The attacker was wearing a vest "which had the appearance of an explosive device," Watson added.

He then thanked the security staff and worshippers for their bravery in helping to prevent the attacker from gaining access to the synagogue.

"There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access," he said.

The police department said officers were called at about 9.31 am local time on reports of a car being driven toward pedestrians outside the synagogue in Crumpsall and a man being stabbed. Firearms officers were deployed, and a man believed to be the suspect was shot by the officers.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester that the immediate danger appeared to have passed, and that it was “a serious incident.” He added that one of the injured may have been a security guard.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who went to Copenhagen for the European Political Community gathering, cut his trip short and returned to the country to chair an emergency Cabinet meeting later in the afternoon.

“I’m 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.

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”