LONDON,– Two people have died following an attack near a synagogue in Manchester, England, local authorities confirmed. Initial reports had suggested four victims.
Police were called to the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall at 9:31 a.m. (8:31 a.m. GMT). Eyewitnesses reported a car striking pedestrians and a man being stabbed. Authorities say police opened fire on the attacker, who is believed to be dead, according to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The bomb squad was also deployed to the scene, Sky News reported.
Paramedics arrived shortly after at 9:41 a.m. (8:41 GMT) to assist the victims. Two of those injured in the attack later succumbed to their injuries. Earlier accounts had indicated up to four people were hurt in the car and stabbing incident.
Mayor Burnham described the attack as “serious” but reassured the public that there was no ongoing danger due to the rapid police response. Police are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, according to The Daily Telegraph.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attending the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, cut short his visit and is returning to the UK. He is expected to chair a meeting of the Cobra emergency government committee to coordinate the response, The Daily Telegraph reported.
