HEIGHTENED security will be in place across the UK this weekend as extra cops are deployed at major events.
It comes in wake of the horror that unfolded outside Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester at 9.30am on Thursday.
AFPThere will be ‘increased’ security this weekend[/caption]
PAPeople attending a vigil on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, Manchester, on Friday afternoon[/caption]
A photo of who is believed to be Manchester synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie
Two people were killed, and three remain in hospital after suspected attacker Jihad Al-Shamie went on a knife rampage.
There will be increased security this weekend to prevent criminal or terror activity, with police also reviewing security for major events.
Lady Gaga is scheduled to perform at the O2 Arena on Saturday, with the doors opening at 6.30pm.
The pop star will step on stage to begin her performance at 7.30pm.
Elsewhere, Chelsea is due to welcome Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
Kick off is set for 5.30pm.
Thousands of fans will be travelling to the capital to watch both huge events this weekend.
Policing will also be “stepped up” in and around synagogues in London, according to Sadiq Khan.
The Mayor of London said: “I’ve been in contact with the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, the home secretary and the police.
“The Met Police service will be stepping up high visibility policing in and around synagogues in London.”
The force will be conducting more patrols around the capital, as well as deploying specialist Project Servator officers in crowded areas.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “These dedicated patrols are designed to disrupt any potential criminal or terrorist activity, with these officers are specially trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be preparing to carry out a crime or act of terrorism.
“Specialist officers will also be working with event organisers to review policing and security plans already in place for various public events happening across the weekend, and ensure appropriate measures are in place to keep people safe.”
The force added how additional armed cops will be at the ready across London in case of emergency.
Chelsea is due to welcome Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Saturday eveningShutterstock Editorial
GettyThere will be extra security for the 5.30pm kick off[/caption]
GettyExtra precautions are also due to be in place for Lady Gaga’s O2 Arena performance on Saturday[/caption]
Armed response vehicles are set to be carrying out regular patrols across every London borough across the next few days too.
It is important to note the force said there “is nothing to suggest an increased threat to London”.
This comes as Sir Keir Starmer condemned antisemitism and said that Britain “must defeat it once again” after the horror synagogue attack yesterday.
Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra meeting, the PM blasted the “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.
The PM said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.
“So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.
“Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.”
Starmer said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, was one of those who tragically died in the attack
ReutersPrime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer visit the site of the Manchester synagogue attack[/caption]
Hero Rabbi Daniel Walker described what happened during the attackITV News
Meanwhile spy chiefs have warned the threat from Islamic State and al-Qaeda has also not gone away, as reported by The Times.
Moore warned in his speech in Istanbul that the two groups were “looking to regroup to exploit conflict and ungoverned space to re-establish themselves, while using technology to spread their violent ideologies online”.
This comes as cops revealed one of the victims of yesterday’s terror attack suffered a gunshot wound when armed cops took down the knifeman.
Armed officers were deployed to take down the attacker outside Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester at 9.30am on Thursday.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed in the devastating attack.
Today, Greater Manchester Police revealed that one of the victims suffered a gunshot injury.
But it is not known which of the two men who died was shot.
Attacker Jihad Al-Shamie was armed with a knife and not a gun – with the only shots fired coming from the police.
But before cops shot him, the terrorist had rammed his car into a crowd of people before launching a frantic knife rampage injuring four and killing two – while wearing a fake “bomb vest”.
What we know so far…
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitzas, 66, were killed in an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester
Three men are seriously injured and being treated in hospital
Cops revealed one of those who died and another injured man suffered gunshot wounds
The Rabbi leading the service described the attacker yelling ‘I’m going to get you’
A witness said a car was driven towards members of the public and a man was stabbed
Counter-terror police have confirmed the attack is being treated as a terror incident
The knifeman was shot dead at 9.38am yesterday by armed cops
Three other people have been arrested after a street raid
One of the other men injured in the carnage was also shot but is currently recovering in hospital.
Both were standing behind the barricaded doors and are thought to have helped efforts to stop the suspect from getting in.
Today the hero Rabbi who barricaded worshippers inside the synagogue described the terror attack.
Daniel Walker — leading a Yom Kippur service — was hailed for his quick-thinking after knife Al-Shamie yelled “I’m gonna get you” at the worshippers.
GMP have since referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Cops said earlier: “The third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.”
Police named the suspect they shot dead as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent who came to the UK as a “very small child”.
Rabbi Daniel Walker has since recalled the moment the attacker tried to storm the synagogue.
He told ITV News: “When I first arrived at the synagogue there was some kind of incident outside the gates. Someone behaving suspiciously and aggressively.
“Half an hour into the prayers I heard an almighty bang from outside, shouting. Someone was trying to get in with a knife.
Attacker’s family breaks silence
In a post on Facebook apparently from the family of the Manchester synagogue attacker, relatives of Jihad Al-Shamie said they “condemn” his “heinous act”.
“The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.
“The Al-Shami family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.
“We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.
“May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
The statement was signed by Faraj Al-Shamie, on behalf of the Al-Shamie Family.
“When he tried to get inside the synagogue, there was a large number of us trying to hold him off.”
Rabbi Walker said the knifeman shouted “I’m gonna get you” as he tried to get in, while threatening those inside.
The force confirmed the man believed to be the offender was wearing a vest which had the “appearance of an explosive device”.
He was shot by firearms officers at 9.38am, seven minutes after he crashed his car into the synagogue gates and launched into a knife rampage.
The attacker did not manage to enter the building.
A post seemingly from his family has condemned the “heinous attack” and expressed “deep shock and sorrow”.
Three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have also been arrested after a raid on a nearby residential street.
The trio are being held on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
A compensation scheme has opened for victims of the Manchester synagogue attack, and those hurt can receive up to £500,000.
ReutersThe body of a man, believed to be the attacker on the ground at the scene[/caption]
PAArmed cops rushed to the scene of the attack[/caption]
GettyMembers of the military were also called in[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
