Pictured: Manchester synagogue attacker wearing 'suicide belt' moments before being shot by police

Two people have died and three more are fighting for their lives after a car was driven at a crowd and a man was stabbed outside a synagogue in Manchester this morning.

Greater Manchester Police was called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue shortly after 9.30am on Thursday, which is Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

GMP has now confirmed two victims have died and three remain in a serious condition.

The suspect did not gain access to the building and was shot dead at the scene by armed police.

His death was confirmed by police after a bomb disposal unit dealt with a device that was strapped to his body.

Footage from the scene shows police warning members of the public.

"Everybody else, get back. If you're not involved, move back, get away... he has a bomb, go away," an officer can be heard shouting.

The footage was taken moments before the suspect was shot by police.

The force said it had 'declared Plato' - the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a 'marauding terror attack'.

Footage on social media showed armed police officers pointing guns at someone lying on the ground, while their colleagues screamed "he's got a bomb" to onlookers and told them to "get back".

Sir Keir Starmer is currently flying home early from a meeting of European leaders to chair Cobra, telling reporters he was "appalled" by the attack.

The prime minister added that armed police will guard synagogues around the country.

King Charles has led tributes, saying he and Queen Camilla are "deeply shocked and saddened" by the attack.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services," he said in a statement.

Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, and one man had been stabbed.

"GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.

"Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 and are tending to members of the public, currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.

"Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident."

The North West Ambulance Service said: "Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.

"We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.

"Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible."