Synagogue attack in Manchester declared terrorist incident, police say

A deadly attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, that left three people dead — including the suspected assailant — is being treated as a terrorist incident, police have confirmed.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the national head of counter-terrorism policing, announced the development in a statement outside New Scotland Yard in London. The incident, which occurred earlier this morning, prompted Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to declare a “major incident” and activate PLATO — the national emergency response protocol used in suspected marauding terrorist attacks, Caliber.Az reports via Sky News.

“Based on what we know, counterterrorism policing has declared this is a terrorist incident,” Taylor said. “Their specialist teams are now leading the investigation into what happened.”

The attack claimed the lives of two victims outside the synagogue before police fatally shot the man believed to be responsible. Authorities have not yet released the attacker’s identity, citing ongoing safety considerations at the scene.

“We believe we know the attacker's identity — but for safety reasons at the scene, we're unable to confirm at this stage,” Taylor said. “We will ensure every piece of intelligence and line of inquiry is interrogated.”

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, though police have not yet detailed their suspected roles. Investigators are working in close coordination with UK intelligence agencies.

“We're working closely with the security services to ensure we have a full intelligence picture in the coming days and weeks,” Taylor added. “We would like to ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything that doesn’t feel right to the police.”

By Sabina Mammadli