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Stunned onlookers have recounted the "terrifying" scene taking place as a vehicle and knife attack left two people deceased and three others hurt outside a synagogue in Manchester.

Police reported a vehicle was targeted towards members of the public in the incident in Crumpsall and a man - thought to be the perpetrator - was fired upon by armed police and is also believed to be deceased.

A courier said he witnessed what first appeared to be a accident before noticing there was an individual armed with a blade.

"We thought we could see a vehicle involved in a collision, so we initially assumed it was a regular crash, but when we got a bit closer we noticed a man severely injured on the ground. He was just unconscious, thought to be killed," he said.

"And then there was a man in before the car, he was sprawled on the pavement, and there were a a number of bystanders in the roadway."

The witness, who was named Gareth, reported to a media outlet: "Somebody shouted 'the suspect is near the educational institution or place of worship' and then as we observed the individual had a knife and he was attacking the pane, seeking access [the building], and almost immediately the law enforcement arrived."

"Officers issued several cautions, he ignored them, so they opened fire. He went down on the floor and then he started getting back up and then they fired once more."

The assault took place on Yom Kippur, the important religious observance in the Jewish calendar, in a neighborhood with a prominent Jewish residents.

Recording circulated via online platforms appeared to show authorities directing weapons at an individual lying on the pavement outside the front of the synagogue.

The police with guns yelled at witnesses to "get back" and "move on"

The suspect on the pavement is seen starting to get up before there is the report of a shot and they drop down.

Another person was shown still on the floor outside the entrance gates with blood near their skull.

• Real-time reports available on various media outlets

Another witness, Shah, who is a neighbor of the synagogue, explained witnessing a vehicle "driving rapidly and driving straight for the members of the public."

"After that I had witnessed a person jump out and sort of running towards the bystanders," he stated.

"The experience was somewhat shocking to be fair. And then following that I paused a bit just to see what was going on and to attempt to contact emergency services."

"The individual was emerging with a blade and he commenced going on a bit of a rampage."

"It's quite terrifying to be completely honest."

Neighborhood dweller Olivia Gold mentioned she had friends who frequent the religious building.

She explained to a press organization: "It would have been very, very occupied. I am a local resident, but I've come over to show solidarity. It's now just law enforcement handling the situation."

"I went outside to understand the situation because I detected multiple aircraft."

"It's just horrendous. We're a quiet community, we want to be left in peace. We do not desire any of this."

"I think the law enforcement reaction has been extremely effective. They responded very promptly."

Chava Lewin, who described herself as a religious Jew, lives next door to the worship center.

She stated: "I stood outdoors and noticed a loud noise and I thought it was possibly a explosion."

"I conversed with a person who explained she was traveling and observed a vehicle moving unpredictably and it crashed into the barriers [of the synagogue]."

"Immediately after he got out of the car he started stabbing people in proximity. He attacked the protection personnel and sought access to the building. He was in the courtyard."

"Someone blocked access. People are in total dismay."

One more person said religious services had begun when the attack took place but Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was conducting the prayers, stayed composed and he and fellow worshippers guided the attendees to a secure location.

He continued: "They are genuine bravery."