A man has been shot by police after reports of a stabbing at a synagogue in Manchester on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am following reports a car was driven at members of the public – and a security guard had been attacked with a knife.
Firearms officers were deployed and the force declared 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,” a police spokesman said.
“Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 and are tending to members of the public – currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.”
Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident.
Video posted 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.
Middleton Road has been closed between Wilton Road and Crumpsall Lane, the Manchester Evening News reported, adding a police cordon is in place.
North West Ambulance Service said in a statement: “Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.
“We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.
“Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”
Pic: PA
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the “immediate danger appears to be over” after reports of a “serious incident” in Crumpsall, north of the city.
He told BBC Radio Manchester: “It is a serious incident. I can give some reassurance immediately to people that that immediate danger appears to be over and Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly.”
Dave Rich, of the Community Security Trust – a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, 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.”
In terms of importance in the religious year, he said it is similar to Christmas Day for Christians, but is a day of solemnity and fasting rather than celebration.
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