A rabbi and security personnel are being hailed as heroes following a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester that left two people dead and four others seriously injured. The incident occurred on Thursday when a man drove a car into a crowd near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the actions of the rabbi and security staff, stating, "There is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy. We thank them for their bravery."

Authorities have identified three suspects in connection with the attack. Two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s are in custody on suspicion of preparing and instigating acts of terrorism. The main suspect, who was reportedly wearing an explosive vest, was shot dead by armed officers at the scene.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Rabbi Daniel Walker remained calm during the attack and helped lead congregants to safety. A witness remarked, "They are true heroes."

Chava Lewin, a neighbor of the synagogue, recounted that the attacker targeted a security guard and attempted to break into the building. "The second he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone near him," she said.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson commended the quick actions of the synagogue staff. "Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, the attacker was prevented from gaining access," he stated. He added that all individuals inside were safely contained until police confirmed it was safe to leave.

Rabbi Walker's wife, Esther, expressed her relief upon learning that her husband was unharmed. She was informed of the attack shortly after it began but could not receive updates due to Yom Kippur, a sacred day in the Jewish calendar when she could not use her mobile phone. "I was so relieved, but, beyond the fact he's alive and not hurt, I don't know anything," she told reporters. "I know what it is to have terrorists running around stabbing people and blowing up buses, so we're not immune to this. But it's just awful, awful, wherever it is."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also spoke at the scene, thanking security staff, volunteers, and emergency services for their efforts. He highlighted the role of the Community Security Trust, an organization dedicated to keeping communities safe. "Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked," he said.

In a statement, the Community Security Trust acknowledged the swift actions of those involved in preventing further casualties. "It is highly likely that the swift actions of security guards and volunteers, congregants, and police officers at Heaton Park Synagogue prevented further casualties. We pay tribute to their courage," the statement read.