Keir Starmer is attending a European summit in Denmark 

Keir Starmer is to leave a European meeting in Denmark early to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after an attack on a synagogue in Manchester.

The Prime Minister said he was shocked and appalled by the incident and that “additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country”.

In a post on X, he said: “I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”

The PM has cut short his trip at the European Political Community (EPC) gathering in Copenhagen after four people were injured after a car was driven at members of the public and a man was stabbed outside a synagogue. GMP later said two people had died.

A man – who is believed to be the offender – was shot by firearms officers after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to an incident in Middleton Road, Crumpsall, on Thursday. Police said it had “declared Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.

Speaking to broadcasters before flying back to the UK, Mr Starmer said: “The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected. I am on my way back to London.

“When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.

“I’ve spoken to Mark Gardner of the CST [Community Security Trust], and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester. I want to thank the emergency services for the speed of their response.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “horrified” by the attack. She wrote on X: “I am horrified by the news of an attack at a synagogue in Manchester today, on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

“My first thoughts are with the victims, our brave police and emergency services. I am being kept updated by GMP. I urge people to follow the advice of the emergency services.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: “The news from Manchester is horrifying and deeply chilling. My prayers are with our Jewish community on today of all days.”

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “This was a vile and disgusting attack on a synagogue in Manchester. On Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – families gathered in prayer were targets for violence. My heart goes out to all those hurt and affected. I know many in our Jewish community will feel shaken. They deserve to know they are not alone.”

GMP 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.”

Mr Starmer had been on a visit to Denmark’s capital city to discuss Ukraine and migration with European leaders. This morning, when he arrived at the EPC, he told reporters: “We’re certainly discussing illegal migration and looking at what further options we can take together.

“Obviously, I’ve always argued that working with other countries is always a stronger response. So we’re looking at a number of options there. There’s a big appetite for it, a number of countries wanting to work with us on what more we can do. So, we’ll be looking at that.

“There is also, then, obviously, the question of Ukraine and how we put in more support for Ukraine, put pressure on Putin.”

It came after the PM announced an end to “golden tickets” to settling in the UK with measures stripping back the rights of asylum seekers. Mr Starmer said automatic settlement and family reunion will end in a move he claims will deter small boat crossings.