Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the “horrific” attack on a synagogue in Manchester in which two people have died.
The prime minister said he was “appalled” by the car and stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, which took place at about 09:30 BST on Thursday.
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” he said, as he thanked the emergency services and said his thoughts were with the families of those affected.
Many national figures and community leaders have issued statements as the gravity of what happened becomes clear.
Greater Manchester Police said two people have died. A third person, a man thought to be the suspect, died after being shot by police.
Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition. Police earlier said the injuries were a result of both the vehicle and stab wounds.
Sir Keir, who is flying back early from the European Political Community gathering in Copenhagen, Denmark, said “additional police assets” would be deployed at synagogues across the country.
“We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe,” he said.
King Charles III also said in a statement that he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear about the attack, “especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services,” the statement added.
The Israeli embassy in the UK said it was “in close contact” with the Manchester Jewish community, the authorities and Jewish charity the Community Security Trust (CST) to “ensure that the necessary support is provided”.
In a statement, the embassy said: “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.”
It added: “The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
Thanking the police and synagogue security for their response, the CST said it was an “appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year” and it was working with the police and local Jewish community.
Rabbi Jonathan Romain, emeritus rabbi of Maidenhead Synagogue, said: “This is every Rabbi’s or every Jewish person’s worst nightmare.”
Leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the attack.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said on X: We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe. We stand with GM’s Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them.”
Asked about the synagogue attack in Manchester, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC it looks like “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day” – calling it “vile and disgusting”.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “horrified and appalled” and that his “thoughts are with the victims”.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “horrified” and thinking of the Jewish community “who will be suffering at this time”.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said “so many of us are feeling the horrific scenes today that all come at a time of rising antisemitism”, having himself “grew up and attended a synagogue in north Manchester”.
