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The heads of the UK's four major parties have strongly condemned the violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester, even as specifics about the incident and the assailant remained unclear.

PM Keir Starmer interrupted a visit to Denmark on October 2, where he was conferring with other European leaders at the European Political Community, to return to the UK and chair a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee.

"I'm appalled by the incident at a synagogue in Manchester," the PM stated as he was boarding his flight in Copenhagen. "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year, makes it even more terrible. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the emergency personnel."

Starmer added, "I'm on my way back to the capital. When I get there, I will lead an emergency Cobra meeting. I'm already able to say that additional police assets are being sent to synagogues across the country and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."

He mentioned that he had talked with Mark Gardner of the Community Security Trust and the mayor of Manchester, and thanked the emergency services for their swift action.

Other Political Leaders React

Kemi Badenoch, Ed Davey, and Reform UK leader all shared similar statements expressing condolences for the victims and disapproval of the perpetrator.

• Badenoch described it a "disgusting and appalling attack on a synagogue in the city," stating that on Yom Kippur, families gathered in prayer were victims for an attack. Her thoughts go out to all those injured and impacted, and she stressed that the community should know to feel supported.
• Davey said he was "horrified and appalled" by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, especially on this sacred day, and his prayers were with the affected, responders, and the whole community.
• Farage wrote that he was "horrified" by the attack, highlighting it occurred on Judaism's holiest day, and his prayers were with the families and the community, while also praising the first responders.

Operational Details from Local Officials

Andy Burnham provided important incident-related information about the status. "Authorities think that the suspect is deceased, although it's not confirmed," he informed the media on Thursday morning.

He continued, "A degree of reassurance can be given that it's not a developing, a continuing incident. It would appear that it is under control, although, obviously, the scene is very much an active scene."