Reports confirm that three people have died in an attack targeting a Manchester synagogue on Thursday. Police have confirmed the perpetrator is also deceased, though verification is currently pending due to the presence of suspicious items on his person. A bomb disposal unit is on site working to assess the situation.
Three other individuals are currently in critical condition as a result of injuries sustained during the incident. Following the attack, those present within the synagogue were initially sheltered inside the building before being safely evacuated by authorities.
Emergency services received multiple reports earlier on Thursday concerning a vehicle striking pedestrians and a subsequent attack involving a knife. Police ultimately engaged the suspected assailant, resulting in the use of firearms. The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, a significant and widely observed Jewish holiday typically drawing large congregations to synagogues. Investigations are ongoing.