Manchester hospitals on 'lockdown' in 'major incident' after synagogue stabbing

Hospitals in Manchester have been placed on lockdown as a major incident is declared following today's synagogue stabbing.

Two people have been killed and the suspected attacker is believed to be dead after being shot by police. A cordon has been placed around the Heaton Park synagogue, with several officersand paramedics deployed. A car was seen being driven towards members of the public during the attack.

Salford Royal, Fairfield General, Rochdale Infirmary, and the Royal Oldham hospitals are all no-go areas after the incident. An internal note sent by the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals, was titled "Greater Manchester major incident declared - lockdown of our sites". No one is allowed in or out of the hospitals, according to a patient inside a medical department.

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The incident has unfolded during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. One patient inside Fairfield General confirmed that staff have announced that security are now staffing the doors. "No one is being allowed inside or out as the lockdown continues and the doors are sealed," said the eyewitness. Police have declared the incident as PLATO, which means terrorism could be involved, but it is not yet confirmed.

Around an hour after the initial response, bomb squad officers were seen in attendance. The attack has horrified the local Jewish community, with some of those gathering close to the place of worship seen crying and holding each other for support.

The note, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, says: "Please be advised that all our sites have been asked to immediately lock down following the declaration of a major incident within Greater Manchester. We have been informed that emergency services are at the scene of an incident within Manchester.

"We will share further details as these become available." The major incidents declared by GMP and North West Ambulance Service trigger a major incident within NCA hospitals, according to senior sources inside the trust.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is preparing to leave Copenhagen and return to London, will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. 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."

King Charles has issued a statement following the attack at Heaton Park synagogue. He said: "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."

In a message to the Jewish community in Crumpsall, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.

"We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue. We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed."