Manchester synagogue attack: Everything we know as police 'identify suspect'

Manchester's Jewish community is reeling after a terrorist launched a bloody attack at a synagogue in the city.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) raced to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, in Crumpsall, north Manchester, following reports of a vehicle and stabbing attackat about 9:31am. Just seven minutes later, the suspect was shot dead and bomb squads arrived to inspect an item, later revealed to not be an explosive, that was wrapped around his waist.

Tragically, two people were killed in the attack and four others were rushed to hospital. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out on the "horrific attack," adding: "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific."

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Here is everything we know so far

Who is the suspect and have police made arrests?

The identity of the man has not been officially revealed at this time. GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson said officers believed they had established the suspect's identity, though they did not comment further during a press briefing.

Two men were arrested on the road close to where the attack happened, according to eyewitnesses. One witness claimed the men were led away by police in handcuffs on White House Avenue, a cul-de-sac close to the scene of the attack.

The witness told Sky News he did not know the men or which house they were linked to, but added seeing "six or seven police cars with armed police" on the road. A police helicopter was seen above.

Did suspect have an explosive?

Police initially could not confirm the suspect was dead due to concerns about an item, that appeared to be an explosive, wrapped around his waist.

Following an investigation of the scene, it was determined the device "was not viable."

Has attack been declared a terrorist incident?

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the national head of counter-terrorism policing, has confirmed the attack at the synagogue was being treated as terrorism.

He added: "Based on what we know, counterterrorism policing has declared this is a terrorist incident. Specialist teams also "leading the investigation into what happened," he added.

Taylor continued: "We will ensure every piece of intelligence and line of inquiry is interrogated. We're working closely with the security services to ensure we have a full intelligence picture in the coming days and weeks."

How long did the attack last?

The harrowing attack lasted for seven minutes with a bystander alerting the police at about 9:31am today. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the suspect was fatally shot by officers within seven minutes of the original call.

He added: "Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers within seven minutes of the original call."

The suspect drove into members of the public close to the synagogue before he started to attack people with a knife.

What do we know about the victims?

Police confirmed two victims of the attack had died as a result of their injuries. The four others who were taken to hospital in a serious condition and had ramming and knife-related injuries.

The identities of the victims has so far not been made public.

What have Manchester and UK leaders said?

Following today's horrific attack, multiple Manchester and UK leaders have shared statements in support of the country's Jewish community. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the Government "will do whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe."

She later added: "What I do want to say is to those who seek to divide us, they will fail." Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham condemned the terrorist attack as "an horrific anti-Semitic attack on our Jewish friends."

He added: "Tonight, our first thoughts are with the families of those people who died, those injured and those traumatised by this, an horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours. We condemn it outright.

“Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked."