Distressed witnesses have detailed the "terrifying" scene occurring as a car and stabbing attack resulted in two people dead and three others hurt outside a synagogue in Manchester.
Authorities said a car was targeted towards individuals in the event in Crumpsall and a man - believed to be the offender - was fired upon by armed police and is also thought to be dead.
A delivery driver mentioned he saw what first appeared to be a accident before noticing there was a man with a knife.
"It looked like a car that had crashed, so we believed it was a normal collision, but when we moved closer we spotted a individual losing blood on the ground. He was just unconscious, thought to be killed," he remarked.
"Subsequently there was a man in near the car, he was on the ground, and there were a a number of bystanders in the roadway."
The individual, who gave his name as Gareth, explained to a radio broadcaster: "Somebody shouted 'he's in the school or the synagogue' and then as we looked over the individual had a blade and he was repeatedly striking the glass, trying to get in [the building], and within seconds the police came."
"They gave him a couple of warnings, he ignored them, so they opened fire. He collapsed and then he began to rise and then they fired once more."
The assault happened on the Day of Atonement, the important religious observance in the Jewish tradition, in a part of the city with a significant Jewish population.
Video posted on online platforms reportedly showed law enforcement directing weapons at a person sprawled on the pavement outside the front of the synagogue.
The armed officers yelled at bystanders to "move away" and "disperse"
The individual on the ground is shown attempting to stand before there is the report of a shot and they drop down.
A different individual was shown unmoving on the ground outside the building's entrance with blood near their head.
- Ongoing coverage accessible on various news platforms
Another witness, Shah, who lives behind the building, described witnessing a car "driving rapidly and targeting the people."
"Subsequently I had seen a individual leap from the car and sort of running towards the bystanders," he stated.
"It proved quite distressing to be fair. And then after that I paused a moment just to see what was going on and to try and call emergency services."
"And the man was appearing with a knife and he commenced going on a bit of a rampage."
"It's truly frightening to be completely honest."
Area inhabitant Olivia Gold mentioned she had associates who attend the synagogue.
She told a news agency: "Probably very, very busy. I reside nearby, but I've walked around to give support. It's presently law enforcement handling the situation."
"I emerged to understand the situation because I noticed multiple aircraft."
"It's just horrendous. We're a quiet community, we seek no trouble. We do not desire any of this."
"Personally, I believe the law enforcement reaction has been highly commendable. They responded really, really quickly."
Chava Lewin, who described herself as a practicing Jew, is a direct neighbor to the worship center.
She explained: "I was in the vicinity and detected a loud noise and I believed it was possibly a explosion."
"I conversed with a person who mentioned she was driving and witnessed a car moving unpredictably and it struck the entrance [of the synagogue]."
"As soon as he exited the car he started stabbing people in proximity. He went for the protection personnel and sought access to the synagogue. He was in the exterior area."
"An individual blocked access. All are in utter shock."
Another man mentioned observances had begun when the assault took place but Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was officiating, stayed composed and he and others led the congregation to a secure location.
He added: "These individuals represent true heroes."
