Two people from the Jewish community were killed and four others were left seriously injured after a vehicle and stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, during Yom Kippur. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say the attacker was shot dead by officers outside the building after being prevented from entering by security staff and worshippers.

Police declared a major incident after receiving reports that a car had been driven towards members of the public and that a security guard had been stabbed. Officers said the attacker was wearing what appeared to be an explosive device, but that it was not viable. The suspect was shot dead outside the synagogue within seven minutes of the initial call to police.

A witness said prayers had already begun when the attack took place and that Rabbi Daniel Walker remained composed while guiding people to safety. One attendee described those who acted against the attacker as heroes, saying: "They are true heroes."

A delivery driver, Gareth, who saw the incident, said: "Within seconds, the police arrived, they gave him a couple of warnings, he didn't listen so they opened fire." He added that the man then "started getting back up and they [the police] shot him again".

Another local resident, Chava Lewin, described the moment after the vehicle hit the gates and said the suspect "started stabbing anyone near him".

Two people were killed and four were seriously injured in the attack. GMP named the suspect as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British man described as being of Syrian descent. It is reported he entered the UK as a very young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006 as a minor.

As part of the ongoing investigation, three people have been arrested: two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Police declared the incident a "terrorist incident".

Bomb disposal teams were sent to examine the suspect's vehicle after a loud explosion was heard while specialist resources accessed the car as a precaution. Police said the device the attacker carried was not viable.

GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson praised the actions of synagogue security and worshippers, stating that, thanks to the "immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access". He added that "All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises."

Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, commended emergency services and those at the synagogue, saying there was no doubt they "prevented an even greater tragedy". He also said:

"Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred. Today's horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again."

The prime minister added: "To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this. I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do. And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, speaking from the scene, said: "Tonight, our first thoughts are with the families of those people who died, those injured and those traumatised by this, an horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours. We condemn it outright. Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked."

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of counter-terror policing said forces across the UK were increasing patrols at synagogues and Jewish sites to provide reassurance "to all those communities that have been affected by this incident". He added that police were deploying "all of our capabilities in response to what has happened" and working with security services to build a "full intelligence picture".

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, confirmed volunteers from the organisation were at the synagogue during the attack and said it was working closely with police to ensure security is "as strong as it can be". The CST paid tribute to the synagogue's security staff and the officers who responded.

The CST urged people attending synagogues or Jewish premises to follow advice from security and police. "In particular, we urge people not to congregate outside communal premises and synagogues to keep their doors closed at all times," the trust said. "This kind of attack is the reason why we have such extensive security in place across the Jewish community."

The Manchester Council of Mosques said it was "shocked and saddened" and offered "our thoughts and prayers ... with the victims, their families, and the Jewish community at this distressing time". The council added: "Manchester has always been a city where people of all faiths and backgrounds live side by side. Any attempt to divide us through violence or hatred will fail - we remain united in our commitment to peace and mutual respect."

Those inside the building were moved first into a rear hall and then to a nearby centre by police, witnesses said. Rob Kanter, a university teacher who was inside, said worshippers continued their service after being evacuated and described people as "calm and dignified", adding that attendees "used an element of humour" to cope with the situation.