Shocked witnesses have described the moment a deadly attack on a Greater Manchester synagogue unfolded.
Greater Manchester Police said that two people were killed at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall, and that the attacker was also dead, having been shot by armed police.
Manchester synagogue latest: Two killed in attack on Yom Kippur
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The force added that three other people are in serious condition, and a bomb disposal unit is at the scene.
Speaking to Sky News, Esther Aronson said that “we heard the bang bang, heard the helicopters, sirens”.
“We thought that maybe it could have been a suicide because we’re right near the forest,” she added, “but then we heard there was a gunshot and there was a terrorist attack at the synagogue.
“Today, being an auspicious High Holy Day – we’ve all fasted since 6.30 last night – you want to feel secure. You want to be able to go to places and feel that you can just walk around.”
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Sky News’ North of England correspondent Katie Barnfield also spoke to some members of the Jewish community in Crumpsall, who said they were “shocked” and “terrified” by what had happened.
“One man told me several of his friends and family were still inside – though he knows they are safe,” she said.
“Another said this is an extremely tolerant community, where people of many faiths including Jews and Muslims have lived side by side for years, and he is stunned by what has taken place.”
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Chava Lewin, who described herself as a religious Jew and lives next door to the synagogue, told the PA news agency that she was outside at the time of the incident, and “heard a banging sound and I thought it might be a firework”.
She added: “My husband went outside and then ran back inside and said, ‘There’s been a terrorist attack’.
“I spoke to someone who said she was driving and saw a car driving erratically, and it crashed into the gates. She thought maybe he had a heart attack.
“The second he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue.
“He was in the courtyard. Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock.”
