The suspect shot by armed police following an attack at a synagogue in Greater Manchester is believed to have died. Mayor Andy Burnham said "it is believed" that the offender is deceased, but says this "is not confirmed". The incident unfolded at around 9.38am this morning in Crumspall, when a car was rammed into pedestrians outside Heaton Park synagogue on Middleton Road.
Four people have suffered injuries caused by the vehicle and stabbings, police have confirmed.Mr Burnham also urged people to avoid the area but said "the immediate danger appears to be over". Greater Manchester Police previously said it had "declared Plato", the national code-word used when responding to a "marauding terror attack".
The Greater Manchester Mayor told BBC Radio Manchester: "It's a serious incident, I have to say. I would say to people to avoid the area because it's a serious incident but at the same time I can give some reassurance that the immediate danger appears to be over.
"Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public and security at the location."
A spokesperson for the force said: “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.
“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 9.41am 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.”
The reported stabbings came as members of the city's Jewish community observed Yom Kippur, considered the holiest day in the religious calendar. The surrounding streets have been cordoned off with police cars and vans seen racing down neighbouring roads towards the scene.
