Council leader “shocked and saddened” after two killed in attack on synagogue

THE leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Hans Mundry, issued a statement today offering support to the people of Greater Manchester following an attack on a synagogue in which two people were killed and a suspect shot dead.

Cheshire Police provided support to Greater Manchester Police following the attack on Middleton Road, Crumsall aat 9.31am.
Cllr Mundry said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester today.
“Our immediate thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible violence and with their loved ones.
“Warrington is a place where people of all religions and backgrounds are welcomed, supported, and valued – and we condemn these acts of violence that have taken place in Manchester.
“We are thankful for the swift actions of the emergency services, and are receiving regular updates from Cheshire Police, who are providing support to Greater Manchester Police at this difficult time.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we stand together. We must firmly reject religious violence and hatred in all its forms and unite against all those who seek to divide our communities.”
Police say a car was driven at members of the public and a man stabbed.
The attack happened outside Heaton Park synagogue, on Middleton Road, at 9.30am.
The suspect did not gain access to the building. And was shot at the scene by armed police.
Five people, including a security guard, were injured. In an update issued at 12pm, police said two members of the public had been killed and the suspect shot dead. Three others remain in a serious condition.
It is understood the suspect was shot because it was believed he had a device, or devices, on his person.
A GMP spokesperson 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.”
A major incident was declared and shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.
The spokesperson added “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.”
Mayor of Warrington Cllr Mo Hussain added: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack at a Manchester synagogue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community, the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
“Warrington stands in solidarity with Manchester and with our Jewish community, united against hatred, intolerance and violence in all its forms.
“I also want to thank the emergency services for their swift and courageous response in the face of such tragedy.
“Together, we must continue to build communities of peace, respect and unity.”

Meanwhile, Warrington South MP Sarah Hall added: “I am sickened by the horrific terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester today.
“To target people at prayer on Yom Kippur is vile and cowardly. My deepest condolences go to the victims’ families of those who have lost loved ones, and my thoughts are with those who are seriously injured.
“This has shaken our whole region. I know members of the Heaton Park congregation, and my heart goes out to them and to the wider Jewish community who are living in fear and grief this afternoon.
“There is no place for antisemitism. There is no place for terrorist violence. Ever.
“I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and courageous response.
“No one should ever feel unsafe walking into their synagogue, mosque, church, gurdwara, temple, or any other place of worship.
“We must all stand together against hate.”
warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said:”Statement text:

“My heart is broken today learning of the horrific terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue as the community gathered to mark Yom Kippur, the pinnacle of the high holy days in our tradition.
“The Jewish community in the UK is tiny, and most of us will have friends, family or other close links to the congregation at Heaton Park shul. This feels not just like an attack on them but on all of us.
“At the start of our services, we are reminded of the security notices which differentiate between the protocols for a fire and an attack on our building. Our synagogues, schools and communal institutions have security, and members of the community volunteer to keep us safe from those who wish us harm just because we are Jews. None of this should be necessary but today underscores the stark reality that it is.
“I want to put on record my thank you to the police and emergency services, Community Security Trust, and all those who showed heroism today including worshippers and Rabbi Walker who reportedly barricaded the congregation inside the synagogue and was photographed in the aftermath with blood on his kittel.
“My prayers are with the congregation as they mourn, with those injured for their swift recovery, and with all the Jewish community reeling from the news.
In my Machzor today, I am struck by the words of the writer Edmond Fleg – “I am a Jew, because in all places where there are tears and suffering the Jew weeps. I am a Jew, because in every age where the cry of despair is heard the Jew hopes”. Alongside our revulsion and despair, may we also have hope for unity over division, for peace and for security, as we respond to this atrocity together.”