Terrorist shot dead after two people killed in synagogue horror attack

A TERRORIST was shot dead by police after killing two people in a car and knife attack outside a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

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Counter-terrorism police said two people have been arrested following the attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester, yesterday.

At a press conference, the Metropolitan Police’s head of counter-terrorism policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said the identity of the suspect is known to police, but it could not be disclosed because of “safety reasons at the scene”.

Greater Manchester Police said two members of the Jewish community died and four other people remain in hospital in a serious condition following the attack - and confirmed a bomb disposal unit was sent to the synagogue.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said officers knew the name of the killer but could not yet reveal it.

The attacker, who was wearing a vest which looked like an explosive device, was shot dead within seven minutes of the initial call to police.

The force confirmed the device the suspect was wearing was not viable.

Sir Stephen said: “We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack.

“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.”