King Charles shares 'deep shock' in statement following Manchester synagogue attack
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also issued a message
King Charles has shared a statement following a devastating attack on a synagogue in Manchester, UK.
The monarch, 76, took to social media to share his and Queen Camilla’s “deep shock” following the abhorrent attack that has left two dead in Crumpsall, Manchester.
Attack on a Manchester synagogue
At least two people have been killed in a car ramming and stabbing attack outside a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Three other people are in a serious condition in hospital after a car was driven at members of the public and a man was stabbed.
The attacker has reportedly been shot by armed officers, according to police in Manchester.
“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,” the police said in a statement.
Emergency services arrived on the scene shortly after and the people worshiping at the synagogue were evacuated.
Reports explain that Greater Manchester Police declared PLATO, which is a national code word used to describe the police response to a “marauding terrorist attack”.
King Charles shares statement following attack
Meanwhile, the king has spoken out.
He penned on behalf of himself and his wife, Queen Camilla: “My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Prince William and Princess Kate speak out over ‘appalling incident’
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also shared a statement.
They said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of the terrible attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.
“The fact that this tragedy occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more shocking.
“We are thinking of the entire community as well as the emergency responders who attended this terrible incident.”
They then signed off: “W & C.”
Earlier today a Greater Manchester police spokesperson said: “GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am.”
Bomb disposal units remain on the scene, according to reports
According to the Manchester Evening News, bomb disposal units remain at the scene at the time of writing and the suspect was shot because it was believed he had a device, or devices, on his person. However, it has not been confirmed whether they were viable devices.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement too. He was in Copenhagen and is flying back to the UK for an emergency COBRA meeting.
In it, he said: “I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall.
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
Our thoughts are with those who have been killed, injured or affected by the attack, as well as their loved ones and the wider community that has been impacted.
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