A major incident has been declared after a stabbing attack outside a synagogue in north Manchester today. Four people have been left injured.

Armed police raced to the scene on Middleton Road in the Crumpsall area this morning along with paramedics. It has been confirmed the suspect did not gain access to the building.

The area was closed between Wilton Road and Crumpsall Lane, with a huge emergency services presence in attendance. Officers later shot the male suspect at the scene at around 9.38am. His condition is not known.

Police and the North West Ambulance Service confirmed a major incident was declared. Firearms officers were deployed following reports a security guard had been attacked with a knife.

"We're responding to an incident outside a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester.

"Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, and one man had been stabbed.

"Firearms officers were deployed at 9.34am as police continued to receive further reports from members of the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife.

"GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.

"Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 and are tending to members of the public, currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident."