UK police: Manchester synagogue terrorist wore vest ‘appearing to be suicide device’

Manchester police say that the terrorist who attacked a synagogue today was wearing what appeared to be a suicide vest, and confirm that the victims were “members of the Jewish community.”

At a press conference, Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson says that the suspect, who was “wearing a vest that appeared to be a suicide device,” was shot some seven minutes after the first emergency call was received. Watson does not confirm whether it was indeed an explosive device.

“Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers within seven minutes of the original call,” Watson says.

He says the suspect drove his car into members of the public outside the synagogue before attacking people with a knife.

“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 says.