**Title: Two Killed, Three Injured in Manchester Synagogue Attack**

LONDON — A tragic incident occurred Thursday morning outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, resulting in two fatalities and three serious injuries. The attack took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police received a call shortly after 9:30 a.m. from a member of the public who reported seeing a car driven toward people and a man being stabbed. Officers arrived on the scene and shortly thereafter, shots were fired. The police believe the suspect is deceased, but this has not been confirmed due to safety concerns regarding suspicious items found on him. The bomb disposal unit has been deployed to investigate.

The three injured individuals are reported to be in serious condition, but details about their injuries have not been disclosed. Fortunately, worshippers inside the synagogue were not harmed. A police spokesperson expressed gratitude to the quick-thinking member of the public whose actions helped prevent further harm, stating, "We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue."

In response to the attack, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that additional police officers would be stationed at synagogues across the U.K. Starmer, who was attending a summit in Copenhagen, expressed his horror at the incident, particularly given its timing on Yom Kippur. He stated, "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific."

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, confirmed that the situation is under control and reassured the public that it is not an ongoing incident. He noted that police had declared a national code-word, "Plato," which is used in response to a potential terror attack, although this does not confirm that the incident is being treated as terrorism.

Dave Rich, a representative from the Community Security Trust, emphasized the significance of Yom Kippur, stating, "It’s a very solemn day and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day." He added that there is typically a heightened security presence during major Jewish festivals.

This incident comes in the wake of previous attacks in Manchester, including the 2017 suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert that resulted in 22 deaths. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thursday's attack as the community grapples with the aftermath of this violent event.