A rabbi and security staff have been labelled as "heroes" for their actions during a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue that resulted in the deaths of two civilians.
Two Jewish people were killed and four more left in serious condition after the incident when a man drove a car into a crowd near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday, local time.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "there is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy".
"We thank them for their bravery."
A witness at the scene told the BBC that Rabbi Daniel Walker remained calm during the attack, and he and others led the congregation to safety.
"They are true heroes," he added.
The suspect, who was wearing what appeared to be a vest with an explosive device, was shot dead at the scene by armed officers.
A neighbour to the synagogue, Chava Lewin, said the attacker had gone for a security guard and tried to break into the building.
"The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him," she told British media.
Speaking after the incident, Greater Manchester Police's Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said staff inside the synagogue stopped the attacker from getting inside the building.
"Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside … the attacker was prevented from gaining access," the chief constable said.
"All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises."
Rabbi's wife 'relieved'
The rabbi's wife, Esther, was told after the attack by police that her husband was alive and uninjured.
She learned of the attack shortly after it began but was unable to find out more about the incident because as an Orthodox Jew she cannot use a mobile phone on Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur is the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar, when even many non-regular synagogue-goers take time to pray.
It was only when the police's visited her home to update her on the incident that she learned he was okay.
"I was so relieved but, beyond the fact he's alive and not hurt, I don't know anything," she told The Telegraph.
"I know what it is to have terrorists running around stabbing people and blowing up buses, so we're not immune to this. But it's just awful, awful, wherever it is," she said.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham spoke at the scene where he thanked security staff, volunteers and the emergency services for their work.
"They were supported by volunteers on the scene from Community Security Trust, an organisation we owe a huge debt of thanks to that works to keep our communities safe," he said.
"Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked."
In a statement posted online, the Community Security Trust paid tribute to the people who helped to prevent further casualties.
"It is highly likely that the swift actions of security guards and volunteers, congregants and police officers at Heaton Park Synagogue prevented further casualties," the statement read.
"We pay tribute to their courage."
