Hero Rabbi blocks killer

A HERO Rabbi barricaded the doors of a synagogue to stop a suspected terrorist continuing his knife rampage inside after two men had been killed at the gates.

- BY PHIL CARDY, CHRIS HUGHES Security Editor and HOLLIE BONE

Horrified witnesses told how the holiest day in the Jewish calender turned into a bloodbath, amid fears of copycat attacks across the country.

It was not known last night whether the killer - named by police as Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent operated alone or was part of a wider network.

It came amid speculation the attack may be linked to Gaza or Islam.

The thug was shot dead by police after he drove his car at worshippers on Yom Kippur before launching the knife killing spree at 9.31am - which left three other men injured.

Armed officers who rushed to the scene believed he had a bomb strapped to his body but it turned out not to be the case.