Sir KEIR Starmer has condemned antisemitism and says that Britain “must defeat it once again” after a horror synagogue attack.
Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra meeting, the PM blasted the “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.
Sir Keir Starmer making a statement from Downing Street after the horror attack
Officers at the scene today as emergency services descended on the site
Two people tragically died and four are in hospital after the horror unfolded outside Manchester’s Heaton Park synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar today.
Police are treating the attack as terrorism and two people have been arrested during cop raids in Manchester.
Two people died in the horror – both members of the Jewish community – and four more remain in hospital in a serious condition.
Speaking at Downing Street this evening, Sir Keir said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.
“So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.
“Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.”
Starmer said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
The Prime Minister said: “To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this.
“I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do.
“And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.
“And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.
“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.
“And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong.”
A man – who is believed to be the offender – was shot dead by firearms officers at 9.38am.
He did not manage to enter the building.
Shocking aftermath pictures show what was believed to be a bomb belt and a knife near the attacker.
Cops tonight confirmed the man was wearing a vest which had the “appearance of an explosive device”.
However, police have now said they can confirm that the device the suspect was wearing was “not viable”.
Operation Plato – cops’ response to marauding terrorist attacks – has now been stood down, but it remains a major incident.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon Chief Constable Stephen Watson branded today’s attack as a “horrific incident”.
He said: “My thoughts, and those of my officers and staff, are with the families of the loved ones who have been affected by today’s horrific incident, on what is the Jewish community’s holiest day: Yom Kippur.
“This has been officially declared as a terrorist incident, and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorist Police.”
The chief constable added that police believe they have identified the attacker but until this is confirmed they will not release their name.
He also confirmed two other individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, and enquiries are ongoing.
Adding: “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 7 minutes of the initial call.”
The Prime Minister arriving at Downing Street 
