The attack at the synagogue in Crumpsall this morning is being treated as terrorism.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the national head of counter-terrorism policing, just confirmed this in a statement outside New Scotland Yard in London.
Two victims were killed in the attack in Crumpsall. Police then confirmed the man believed to be the attacker was shot dead.
Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, he added: "This morning, an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall in Manchester. Two people have died. The attacker has been shot dead by the police.
“We believe we know their identity, but for safety reasons at the scene, we’re unable to confirm at this stage.
“Three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests, and based on what we know, counter terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident.”
Counter terrorism police are working with officers in Greater Manchester to investigate the attack.
Mr Taylor added: “Those who have been killed injured at the forefront of our minds as of their families, friends, and all of those who love them and attack them on Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating."
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