Statement from Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson

First and foremost, my thoughts, and those of my officers and staff, are with the families of the loved ones who have been affected by today’s horrific incident, on what is the Jewish community’s holiest day: Yom Kippur.

This has been officially declared as a terrorist incident, and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Police. As has been confirmed by CT policing, we believe that the identity of the offender has been established but until we are certain of this fact, it is premature to set out this detail.  In addition, I can confirm that two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident and enquiries are ongoing.

We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack.  Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers, within seven minutes of the initial call.

Four further people remain in hospital, having suffered a variety of serious injuries and their treatment is ongoing and our thoughts remain with them at this time.

Enquiries are moving at pace, and very visible and proactive policing activity is ongoing across Greater Manchester and beyond. Updates will be provided as soon as possible. Our priority is to keep the public safe.

At this time, we know that a car was driven directly at members of the public, outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall in Manchester. The driver of the car, was seen to then attack people with a knife. He was wearing about his body a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device.  

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 worshippers inside, and the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access. All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises.

Yom Kippur is a day where we see our Jewish community attending their places of worship – places where they and their families should feel entirely safe from harm.

I want to share my gratitude to all the members of the public who called the police as soon as they saw what was happening – this allowed the quick response from our officers, who were able to act swiftly and bravely to bring this horrendous attack to an end.

I also want to thank our partners from the other emergency services, local authorities and the health service, who have provided their ongoing support to us throughout the day, and will continue to do, over the coming days.

I know today’s horrific events will have a significant impact on all our communities, not only in Greater Manchester, but across our country.

There will be a lot of questions that people would like the answers to, and quickly, but please understand that some of this will take time. What I can say, is that the highly visible response to these dreadful events will be sustained as we work to understand the full circumstances of what has happened.

I know you will all join me in keeping those directly affected by what has happened, in our thoughts and prayers. There are grieving families and communities at the heart of this in Greater Manchester and beyond. I would therefore ask that people refrain from sharing disturbing and insensitive content online. If you have information share it with the police.

We stand with all those affected and will continue to do everything in our power to keep our communities safe.