Two people have been killed and three others seriously wounded in a synagogue attack in northern England, according to police.

Greater Manchester Police said the suspect is also believed to be dead.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his horror at the attack and said he's returning early from a European leaders' summit in Copenhagen to chair a government emergency meeting.

Police said they were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue shortly after 9:30 a.m.

The incident occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

A member of the public reported seeing a car driven toward people and one man being stabbed.

Police said shots were fired minutes later by firearms officers.

They say one man believed to be the offender was shot by police.

Authorities have not confirmed if the incident is a terrorist attack.