Two people were killed after an assailant drove a car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard near a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, British police said.

Greater Manchester Police said officers had shot the suspect after being called to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall district. The suspect was believed to be dead but officers could not confirm this "due to safety issues surrounding suspicious items on his person," with a bomb disposal unit called to the scene.

Three other people were injured in the attack and remain in serious condition.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement that "additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country."

King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were "deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community."

Police said officers were called at 9:31 a.m. local time after reports of a car being driven towards pedestrians and a man being stabbed. Firearms officers discharged their weapons at 9:38 a.m., shooting the suspected offender.

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC that police had "dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public." He urged people "not to speculate on social media," while acknowledging the Jewish community "will be very worried by the news."

Britain suffered its second worst year in modern times for antisemitism in 2024, with more than 3,500 incidents Jews, according to the Community Security Trust, a charity that provides security to Jewish organisations and institutions across the country. The figure reflects sustained levels of hostility toward Jews, the group said earlier this year.

(With input from agencies)