'He's got bombs ...he is trying to press the button'

TWO people were murdered and four wounded after an antisemitic extremist launched a terror attack on a synagogue where worshippers were celebrating their holiest day

- By Paul Jeeves, Chris Riches and Michael Knowles

The terrorist was shot dead by police, who believed he was wearing a suicide-belt packed with explosives, as he tried to force his way into the Manchester venue marking Yom Kippur.

Investigators believe it was an Islamist terror plot against Jews, the Daily Express understands.

Last night the attacker was named by police as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Three people were also under arrest on suspicion of terror offences.

The bearded killer entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006 while still a minor. He drove a black Kia Picanto car at speed into a group of people standing outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area of the city at 9.31am.

Then the knife-wielding maniac smashed into the front gates, leapt from the vehicle and began stabbing "anyone and everyone" killing two and causing severe injuries to three more.

A hero rabbi managed to barricade the doors to prevent the attacker from gaining entry as armed police raced to the scene.

Daniel Walker, seen in bloodstained robes, was credited with potentially saving dozens of lives.

Robotic

Moments earlier worshippers hurled plant pots as the man moved from one person to another in a "robotic" manner targeting "anyone" wearing a kippah skullcap.

Extra police will be deployed to UK synagogues over fears of similar attacks, just days before the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel.

Armed police arrived to the unfolding horror within seven minutes of the alarm being raised.

Fearing the terrorist was wearing an explosive vest, they shot him dead. Mobile phone footage captured members of the public shouting "he's got bombs on him he's trying to press the button".