The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent their thoughts to those impacted by the synagogue stabbing in Manchester, which has claimed the lives of two people
Prince William and Princess Kate have spoken out about the devastating stabbing attack at a synagogue, where two people have been killed and the suspected attacker shot dead by police .
Earlier today, at least five people were attacked by a knife-wielding man at a synagogue in north Manchester. The attack happened on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have issued a statement on the tragedy, saying: “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 the message: “W & C.”
King Charles also spoke out on the stabbing, saying he and the Queen were “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.”
The attack took place at a synagogue in Heaton Park, where members of the Jewish community were celebrating the festival of Yom Kippur – also known as the Day of Atonement – which is the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said a car was driven at members of the public outside the synagogue, before reports emerged that a security guard had been attacked with a knife.
The suspected attacker was shot by armed police, with Mayor Burnham confirming that the believed offender had been killed. “It is believed that the offender is deceased, although it’s not confirmed,” said Burnham.
“That’s what I meant in saying that a degree of reassurance can be given that it is not a developing incident. It would appear that it is contained, although, obviously, the scene is, you know, very much an active scene.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to leave Copenhagen and return to London, where he will chair an emergency Cobra meeting in the wake of the stabbing. He said the attack is “absolutely shocking” and his thoughts are with those affected.
Starmer added: “I’m on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.”
Israel’s embassy in the UK also condemned the attack, saying in a statement: “That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.”
