A horrific attack unfolded at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester, on Thursday, claiming the lives of two people and leaving three others in critical condition. The assault, which involved a car being driven into pedestrians and a stabbing spree, occurred on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.

Witnesses described the attacker as someone who began stabbing anyone near him the moment he exited the vehicle, targeting a security guard and attempting to breach the synagogue. Police responded swiftly, with firearms officers shooting the suspect, believed to be wearing a vest with an explosive device, though authorities later confirmed the device was not viable.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “appalling”, cutting short his trip to Copenhagen to chair an emergency COBRA meeting in London. “I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall,” Starmer said. “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific”.

Starmer announced additional security measures at synagogues nationwide, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community. “To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this: I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you… I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears,” he stated.

King Charles voiced his shock and sadness, while Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham indicated the immediate danger appeared to be over, saying authorities believe the offender is deceased. The attack has been declared a terrorist incident by Britain’s most senior counterterrorism officer, Laurence Taylor, with two people arrested.

The incident echoes past tragedies in the UK, including the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing that killed 22 people. Yom Kippur, the day of the attack, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, typically marked by solemn prayer and reflection.