Photo: VCG

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Thursday's terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester, UK, which left at least two worshippers dead on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

The suspected attacker also died, after being shot by police. Three others are reportedly in a serious condition following the car and stabbing assault on the Heaton Park synagogue in the northern English city.

"Houses of worship are sacred places where people can go to find peace," said the UN chief António Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson. "Targeting a synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is particularly heinous."

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide and stresses the urgent need to confront hatred and intolerance in all their forms," the statement continued.

Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the victims and their families in Manchester and beyond, wishing a swift recovery to the injured, according to the statement.

Using a car to ram into the grounds of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, the attacker then stabbed worshippers in a six-minute rampage that only ended when armed officers shot at him twice, fearing he also had an explosive device tied to his chest. It was later found to be a fake, Guardian reported.

Manchester police said they believe the synagogue attacker is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Two men are dead and three are in hospital with "serious injuries" after the man drove a car at members of the public before stabbing people. Police have declared it a terrorist incident, BBC reported.

Police said three suspects are currently in custody and have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer flew back to the UK early from a gathering of European leaders in Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after the incident before speaking to the nation from Downing Street, according to the Guardian. 

Starmer described the attack as "absolutely shocking."

Condemning the "vile individual" who carried out the "horrific" attack, on the holiest Jewish day of Yom Kippur, Starmer offered his condolences to the victims and their families and thanked the first responders.

He has also promised to do "everything" in his power to protect Jewish people as he said Britain must defeat antisemitic hate.