A politician working to improve relations between communities of Greater Manchester says she is ‘broken for the Jewish community’ after a fatal synagogue attack.
Coun Arooj Shah, Oldham council leader and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s communities and equalities lead, said there’s ‘no place for hate’ in the city.
“On Yom Kippur, a sacred Jewish holy day, people should have felt peace in Synagogue this morning, not terror,” she said in a statement.
“There is no place for this hate. No emotion justifies inflicting such violence. Hate is never the answer. Violence is never the answer. We must do better.
“I’m thankful for the GMP’s quick response. My thoughts are with everyone across Greater Manchester and the UK affected by this horrific event.
“Solidarity with the Jewish community at this horrific time.”
Speaking at a press conference earlier this afternoon, Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed two members of the public had died, with the offender also being shot by police. Four others remain in hospital and are receiving various level of treatment.
"This has been officially declared as a terrorist incident, and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorist Police. As has been confirmed by CT policing, we believe that the identity of the offender has been established but until we are certain of this fact, it is premature to set out this detail. In addition, I can confirm that two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident and enquiries are ongoing, Chief Constable Watson said.
"We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack. Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers, within seven minutes of the initial call.
"Four further people remain in hospital, having suffered a variety of serious injuries and their treatment is ongoing and our thoughts remain with them at this time."
Manchester council leader Bev Craig added: “We are all horrified by this shocking and reprehensible attack on members of Manchester’s Jewish community, on their holiest day.
“Our thoughts are with those who have been killed and seriously injured, their loved ones and with everyone who has been affected by this awful incident.
“We have been supporting our local community throughout the morning and offer our full support and love.
“We will be working with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and our local communities in the hours ahead to offer support and reassurance. Manchester stands with our Jewish community at this darkest of moments, and will come together as a city.”
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