Gunman who drove car at US synagogue full of children is shot dead

A man armed with a rifle drove a car through the doors of a US synagogue on Thursday and exchanged fire with security before he was shot dead.

The attack on the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, happened when 140 children were present at its early childhood centre.

The vehicle caught fire in the incident, near Detroit, which sparked a major police response.

None of the children, teachers or other synagogue staff were injured in the attack, local officials said.

One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.

Investigators have not yet publicly identified the man or a motive.

President Donald Trump said he wanted "to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community".

"I've been briefed, fully briefed. It's a terrible thing," he added.

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In a statement posted on Facebook, the synagogue praised its security personnel "who are truly heroes" for neutralising the gunman.

"Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm," it said.

Josh Whinston, a rabbi at a nearby synagogue, said the attack "could have been much worse".

Synagogues around the world have increased security and protections for worshippers since the US and Israel began their war with Iran last month.

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