A tragic event unfolded outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Thursday, where a car ramming and stabbing attack resulted in at least two fatalities and several injuries, as reported by authorities.

Greater Manchester Police responded to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue after receiving reports of a car being driven towards pedestrians and a stabbing incident. A concerned citizen had alerted them to the attack.

“At 9:38 a.m., gunshots were fired by officers from Greater Manchester Police. A man, believed to be responsible for the attack, was shot,” the department announced on social media platform X that morning.

The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism.

Within a couple of hours, officials confirmed the deaths of two individuals following the grave incident near the synagogue. Additionally, the suspect, believed to have been shot by police, has reportedly died.

“Confirmation regarding the suspect’s death is pending due to safety concerns related to suspicious items found on his person,” stated the police. “The bomb disposal unit has been dispatched to handle the situation.”

Three other people remain in “serious” condition.

While the area was being secured, a significant number of congregants present at the synagogue were temporarily held inside, but they have since been safely evacuated, the police department shared online.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack. 

“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” Starmer wrote Thursday morning on X. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”