SCOTLAND'S First Minister has said he is "horrified" by the attack on a synagogue in Manchester, after four people were left injured.
A car was driven at members of the public while one man was stabbed. Another man – who is believed to be the offender – was shot by firearms officers.
Footage shared on social media also appeared to show members of the public shouting to firearms officers that the suspect had a bomb strapped to him.
Police said they have “declared Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.
Speaking on social media, John Swinney condemned the incident.
"Horrified by the attack on a synagogue in Manchester, on Yom Kippur, the holiest time in the Jewish calendar," he said. "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all Jewish communities. Antisemitism is an evil we must confront and stand resolutely against."
Swinney's predecessor as FM, Humza Yousaf, also issued a statement.
"What an awful attack on the Jewish community," he wrote on X. "It would be horrifying on any given day, but made worse that it was carried out on the holy day of Yom Kippur. I'm praying for the families of those affected, and the wider Jewish community who will be rocked by this dreadful attack."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar added: "Horrific news coming out of Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and the wider Jewish community. Yom Kippur should be a time of peace and reflection, but instead they have been the victim of hate and violence. We must stand against antisemitism and all forms of prejudice."
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer added: "Our thoughts, prayers and solidarity are with the victims and the whole community at Heaton Park synagogue. This horrific attack coming on Yom Kippur will only compound the pain felt by our Jewish friends and neighbours."
Meanwhile in a statement, Greater Manchester Police force 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.”
The force said it declared a major incident at 9.37am.
The statement continued: “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 9.41am and are tending to members of the public.
“(There are) 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.”
