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At least two people were killed and several others injured Thursday when a madman plowed a car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard outside a UK synagogue on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The savage attack unfolded outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester just after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday as scores of people were worshipping inside, police said.
Cops descended on the scene after a witness reported seeing a car crashing into members of the public before a man was stabbed and left lying in a pool of blood outside the synagogue.
The maniac responsible was shot dead just minutes later by cops before he could enter the synagogue, police said.
“The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue,” one eyewitness told The Sun.
Two victims have been confirmed dead and three others were in a serious condition.
It wasn’t immediately clear how many were knifed in the stabbing frenzy.
“I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.”
Authorities have yet to describe the tragedy as a terror attack.
Bomb experts are currently investigating whether the attacker had an explosive device on him at the time.
Footage circulating on social media captured a bystander saying the perp had “a bomb on him” as cops frantically shouted for people to get back.
“He’s going to blow himself up, he’s trying to press the button,” the bystander could be heard saying before a gunshot rang out.
Those inside the synagogue reportedly barricaded the doors as police took out the suspect.
The incident unfolded as worshippers gathered at the synagogue for Yom Kippur — the day of atonement and most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
“We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities,” a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said.
“We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue,” they continued.
“We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.”
The Israeli embassy in the UK immediately condemned the attack.
“That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing,” the embassy said in a statement.
“We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
