Attack outside the synagogue
Two people have been killed and several others seriously injured after a man launched a knife and vehicle attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Police confirmed the attacker drove a car into members of the public before stabbing worshippers gathered outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall.
The man, who appeared to be wearing a vest resembling an explosive device, was stopped from entering the building by security staff and congregants.
Attacker shot dead
Armed officers confronted the suspect within minutes of the first emergency call at 9.31 am. He was fatally shot seven minutes later after attempting to rise from the ground despite police warnings to stay down.
Counter-terrorism officers said they believe they know the man’s identity but have not released his name while checks continue.
A knife was recovered near his body along with a white belt, which prompted the deployment of a bomb disposal unit.
Casualties confirmed
Greater Manchester Police said two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Four more people remain in the hospital with serious injuries from both the collision and stab wounds.
Paramedics arrived at 9.41 am to treat the injured as police declared “Plato,” the code word used for marauding terror attacks.
Nearby roads were sealed off while heavily armed units secured the area. A specialist robot was later used to search the attacker’s vehicle.
Community response
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said there had been “a large number” of worshippers inside the synagogue but credited security staff and congregants for preventing further tragedy.
One Jewish man present described the incident as devastating, adding that it showed there was “no place for Jews in Britain anymore.”Residents said the neighbourhood was normally peaceful and diverse, with Jewish and Muslim families living side by side for years.
Political reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the assault “appalling” and returned early from a European leaders’ meeting to chair an emergency Cobra session. He confirmed extra police patrols had been deployed to synagogues nationwide.
King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened,” praising the swift response of emergency services. The Prince and Princess of Wales also sent condolences, noting the attack’s timing on Yom Kippur made it “all the more shocking.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was horrified by the events and promised ongoing support for police and victims.
Security fears grow
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in Britain, described the incident as “appalling.”
Dave Rich of CST noted that synagogues are always on high alert during major festivals, but Yom Kippur — a solemn day of fasting and prayer — is particularly sensitive.
One worshipper said the attack was the culmination of fears that had been building for years amid rising hostility towards Jewish communities.
Call for stronger protection
Raphi Bloom, a Jewish charity director, told M10News he had been warned not to approach the synagogue as the attack unfolded. He argued that authorities had failed to address escalating antisemitism since the Gaza conflict two years ago.
He said Jewish organisations should now consider round-the-clock security and reinforced barriers to prevent further tragedies.
The Israeli embassy in London condemned the incident as “abhorrent and deeply distressing.”
Investigation ongoing
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the UK’s counter-terror policing lead, confirmed the attack was being investigated as a terror incident. Two people have been arrested in connection with the inquiry.
A bomb disposal unit carried out a controlled blast on the suspect’s vehicle, while an SAS helicopter was spotted circling the area.
Police said their priority was ensuring no wider threat existed and restoring calm to the community.
Rebuilding trust
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said residents had witnessed “a vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day.” He pledged support for local people and vowed to work with the national government on security measures.
Katie Barnfield, M10News’ North of England correspondent, said Jewish residents in Crumpsall were “shaken and terrified.”
One local woman described it as “a day the community will never forget.”
M10News Crime & Security Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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