John Swinney expresses ‘horror’ over Manchester synagogue attack

First Minister John Swinney has expressed his “horror” at a synagogue attack in Manchester that left three people dead.

It is understood that the attacker is among those killed in the incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, which coincided with the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur.

In his opening remarks at First Minister’s Questions, Swinney said: “Can I express my horror at the attack on the synagogue in Manchester this morning. This attack came on Yom Kippur, the holiest time in the Jewish calendar, and my thoughts are with the victims, their families and all of the Jewish communities in Scotland and across the United Kingdom. I record our thanks and appreciation to the emergency services and the first responders for the speed of their response. Antisemitism is an evil we must confront and stand resolutely against, and I know that the whole chamber speaks with one voice on this important question.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to the incident in the city’s Crumpsall district at around 9.30am following reports of a car being driven into people and the stabbing of a man.

Two people have died and it is understood that three members of the public are in a critical condition. The suspected attacker was shot by police.

GMP said: “Two people have died following the major incident outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Middleton Road, Crumpsall. A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP firearms officers and is also believed to be deceased. It cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues surround suspicious items on his person. The bomb disposal unit has been called and is now at the scene.

“A large number of people worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the incident, were held inside while the immediate area was made safe but have since been evacuated.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to return early from a meeting of European leaders to chair a Cobra meeting in relation to the incident. He said: “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.”