Everything we know after Manchester stabbing in Heaton Park synagogue attack

A terrifying'major incident' has been declared today after a car was driven at members of the public before a stabbing outside a synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Policeconfirmed the force was called to an incident in Middleton Road, Crumpsall, on Thursday where a man – who is believed to be the offender – was shot by firearms officers. Police said it had “declared Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.

In a statement, the force said: “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 publicand one man had been stabbed.”

READ MORE: Manchester synagogue stabbing: Police statement in full after horror attack

READ MORE: Manchester synagogue stabbing: Armed cops shoot man after Heaton Park attack

The force said it declared a major incident at 9.37am. The statement continued: “Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.

“Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41am and are tending to members of the public. (There are) currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident.”

Video shared 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 with blood near their head. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said resources had been sent to the scene.

In a statement, NWAS said: “Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.” Salford Royal, Fairfield General, Rochdale Infirmary, and the Royal Oldham hospitals are all 'on lockdown' after the incident.

The reported stabbings come as members of the Jewish community observe Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and is a time when synagogues are usually particularly busy.

Dave Rich, of the Community Security Trust (CST) – a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, said the day is similar to Christmas Day for Christians, but is a day of solemnity and fasting rather than celebration.

He said: “Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It’s a very solemn day and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day. There’s always a significant security operation in place between police and CST across the Jewish community on all major Jewish festivals.”

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken out on the "horrific attack". He said: "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific."

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was speaking to the BBC at the time of the incident. He said: "It's a serious incident I have to say.

"I would say to people to avoid the area because it's a serious incident but at the same time I can give some reassurance that the immediate danger appears to be over and GMP have dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public and security at the location. The situation has been dealt with very effectively by GMP and those on-site."