A total of four persons sustained injuries in a combined vehicle ramming and knife incident at a Manchester synagogue, with the suspect shot by police.
This disturbing occurrence happened on Yom Kippur – the holiest observance in the Judaism religious calendar.
Here is what authorities have revealed to date.
The Incident
Police responded at 09:31 British Summer Time on Thursday to reports of a car heading for members of the public, and a man being attacked with a knife.
The injured man is suspected to be a security guard.
The assault occurred at a synagogue in Heaton Park in the Crumpsall neighborhood area in the northern part of the city.
By 09:37, authorities had announced a significant event.
The police department reported in a statement: "Gunfire were fired by firearms officers at 09:38.
"One man has been shot, believed to be the perpetrator."
The alleged attacker is presumed dead, according to city officials.
Emergency medical services verified that a major incident had been declared and that they had deployed staff to the location.
Victim Numbers
First responders arrived at the location to find a total of four persons wounded.
Police stated the harm resulted from both the car and stab wounds.
A separate person was shot, whom police suspect is the offender.
His condition has not been confirmed, but authorities said he is presumed dead.
Ongoing Situation
City representatives said "the direct threat seems to be over."
However, local residents are being advised to steer clear of the location while authorities manage the incident.
Law enforcement reported they declared "Operation Plato" moments after first hearing about the event.
Operation Plato is a set of responses by emergency services to major incidents including "multiple location attacks."
Understanding Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the most important observance in the Jewish faith calendar.
Significant crowds commonly visit places of worship and participate in a day-long fast.
Government officials stated being "appalled" by the assault.
In a statement, they stated: "The reality that this has happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish faith year, makes it all the more tragic.
"Our condolences are with the family and friends of all those affected, and appreciation go to the emergency services and all the first responders."
Government officials will chair a gathering of the crisis committee in London this later today.
Political leaders characterized it as "a shocking assault on the Jewish people on their most sacred observance" – labeling it "vile and disgusting."
