Stockport's MPs have shared messages of sympathy and support following an attack on the Crumpsall synagogue this morning (Thursday 2 October).

Armed police were called to the Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Middleton Road at 9.31am.

Witnesses described seeing a car being driven into the public, followed by people being stabbed.

Two victims have been confirmed dead, and three are seriously injured. Middleton Road remains closed from Crumpsall lane to Wilton Road.

GMP has since confirmed that officers shot the male suspect dead.

Responding to the attack, Stockport's MPs shared the following statements.

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said:

"I am horrified by the news from Crumpsall this morning and I am deeply saddened to hear that people have lost their lives.

"Yom Kippur should be a time for reflection, growth and coming together as a community; my thoughts are with all Jewish people in Manchester and across the country on this holy day.

"I want to thank Greater Manchester Police and first responders for their swift action. Greater Manchester must stand together against violence."

Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle, said:

"I am utterly shocked and heartbroken by the news of the stabbing at the synagogue in Crumpsall today. On this most sacred of days, Yom Kippur, when Jewish people around the world turn inward for reflection, repentance and prayer, to have violence intrude into a place of worship is an affront to everything we hold sacred. 

"My deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families. My heart goes out to the Jewish community in Manchester and beyond; to every worshipper, every leader, every child, every elder in fear and sorrow this evening. No one should ever feel unsafe in their house of prayer.

"I want to express my profound gratitude to the emergency services; Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and all front line teams - for their swift response, bravery and professionalism this terrible situation. Your courage in the face of danger is humbling. 

"I have been both in contact with the police and Stockport Council to ensure that Cheadle's Jewish community has all the support and protection it needs to feel safe. I will continue to do everything I can to stand with them and make sure their security and wellbeing are given the highest priority."

Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, said:

"I am horrified and appalled by the hideous attack outside the Heaton Park synagogue.

"My thoughts are with the victims and their families, our emergency services and our Jewish community in Greater Manchester and beyond."

Stockport Council

Stockport Council's political parties have also issued a joint statement on the attack.

The council said: "We are appalled by the tragic attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester this morning.

"Our deepest thoughts are with those who have lost their lives, those who have been injured, their families, and with Greater Manchester's Jewish community at this deeply distressing time.

"We are particularly mindful that this incident occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, which will add to the anxiety and grief felt by many.

"We want to thank Greater Manchester Police and the emergency services for their swift response. We know they are working hard to keep people safe in extremely challenging circumstances.

"While the investigation continues, we urge everyone to avoid speculation, and to please follow the latest updates and advice from GMP. We understand that incidents like this can cause real concern.

"At this stage, there is no indication of any wider risk to the public. Over the coming days you may notice an increased police presence, which is there to offer reassurance.

"We would encourage everyone to remain vigilant, and if you see anything that causes concern, please report it directly to GMP.

"Stockport will stand firm with the rest of Greater Manchester to ensure that whilst we remain vigilant, we also remain united in resilience, compassion and community solidarity at this awful time."

The letter was signed by all political group leaders on the council:

• Councillor Mark Roberts, Leader of the Council and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group
• Councillor Christine Carrigan, Leader of the Opposition and Labour Group
• Councillor Matt Wynne, Leader of the Stockport Community Group
• Councillor Anna Charles-Jones, Leader of the Independent Ratepayers Group
• Councillor Gary Lawson, Leader of the Green Party Group
• Councillor Joe Barratt, Leader of the Bredbury and Woodley Independents Group