President Michael D. Higgins condemns "horrific" Manchester synagogue attack

President Michael D. Higgins has condemned yesterday's terror attack on a Manchester synagogue.

"All those who value life will be appalled at the horrific attack on Yom Kippur on a synagogue in Manchester which has taken the lives of two people," President Higgins wrote.

"I join with all those who have condemned this attack on the Jewish community in Britain, a community that has a proud tradition in the history of human rights."

He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and to members of the Jewish community, and wished "a speedy recover" to those who were injured.

On October 2, a man drove his car into pedestrians before stabbing worshippers gathered for a Yom Kippur service at Manchester's Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue.

At least two people were killed and four were treated for injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.

The attacker, identified as 35-year-old British citizen  Jihad al-Shamie, was shot dead by police on scene. Three others were arrested on suspicion of involvement. It was declared an act of terror later that day.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said "extra police assets" would be deployed to synagogues across the UK after the attack.

The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed today that its officers mistakenly shot two of the victims, one of whom died from the gunshot wound.

"One of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury," he says.

"It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP's Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.

"It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end."