Manchester attack suspect and two members of public dead after horror attack

Two people have died after the car ramming and knife attackon a Manchester synagogue this morning.

Several officers, including armed police, were deployed after a major incident at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester this morning.

Two members of the public have died after the incident, according to Greater Manchester Police. The force has also updated the toll of people who were involved in the incident to five. The three who are still alive are in critical condition in hospital.

READ MORE: Manchester attack: Ten minutes of terror in synagogue car and stabbing bloodbath

READ MORE: Manchester synagogue attack updates: Multiple hurt in car and stabbing bloodbath

The suspect was also killed after being shot by armed cops. Reports say officers chose to shoot because he was carrying a device, or devices - though it's not clear if they were viable.

Around an hour after the initial response, bomb squad officers were seen in attendance.

The attack has horrified the local Jewish community, with some of those gathering close to the place of worship seen crying and holding each other for support

The attack comes as Jews observe the festival of Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, which is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar during which time Jews gather at synagogues to pray.

A spokesperson for GMP said earlier: "We’re responding to an incident outside a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester.

"Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and one man had been stabbed.

"GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender."

The Community Security Trust, a British charity which protects the Jewish community, said in a statement: "CST is working with police and the local Jewish community following a serious incident at a synagogue in north Manchester. This appears to be an appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year.

"We thank the GMP officers and synagogue security who responded immediately to deal with the incident."

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer is preparing to leave Copenhagen and return to London, where he will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. He said the attack is "absolutely shocking" and his thoughts are with those affected.

Starmer added: "I'm on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I'm already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."