Two people have been killed and several others seriously injured after a violent attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester.
Police are treating the Manchester synagogue attack as a suspected terrorist incident, which took place during Yom Kippur—the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The suspect was shot by armed officers and is believed to be dead, though bomb disposal teams were called to assess “suspicious items” found on his person.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the attacker used both a car and a knife in the assault. “Two people have tragically lost their lives.
Three others remain in serious condition. A man, believed to be the attacker, was shot by our firearms officers at the scene,” a GMP spokesperson said.
“We are working with counter-terror police and security services to establish the full circumstances. This is being treated as a potential terrorist incident.”
Witnesses describe chaos outside synagogue
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as the attacker rammed his vehicle into security barriers before attempting to stab congregants. Chava Lewin, who lives beside the synagogue, told the Manchester Evening News: “I was outside and heard a banging sound. At first I thought it was a firework.
Then I saw a car crash into the gates and a man jump out with a knife. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue. Someone barricaded the doors just in time. Everyone is in utter shock.”
Congregants, many of whom had gathered for Yom Kippur prayers, were locked inside until police secured the area. Counter-terror officers later searched nearby houses as part of their investigation.
National leaders condemn the attack
Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short a trip to Denmark and will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. “This was an appalling act of violence against a place of worship and a community at prayer. We stand in solidarity with Manchester’s Jewish community and will take all steps necessary to ensure their safety,” he said.
King Charles also issued a rare statement: “My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
The Israeli embassy in London described the incident as “abhorrent and deeply distressing”, noting its timing on Yom Kippur.
“That such an act of violence should be perpetrated in a place of prayer and community is unthinkable. We are in close contact with Manchester’s Jewish community and British authorities,” the embassy said.
Rising fears over security and extremism
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) is reviewing the UK’s terrorism threat level, which currently stands at “substantial.” Security analysts warn that the timing of the Manchester synagogue attack—just days before the anniversary of 7 October, when Hamas attacked Israel in 2023—could signal a rise in extremist-linked violence in the UK.
Rabbi Jonathan Romain of Maidenhead Synagogue called the attack “every rabbi’s worst nightmare.” He added: “Yom Kippur is a sacred day when the entire Jewish community gathers together. The tragedy in Gaza has now spilled over into Britain. Our greatest fears have been realised—that political violence would become religious hatred on our streets.”
Local MP Afzal Khan echoed the call for unity: “Violence is never the answer. Manchester must stand together against these actions. I thank the police for their swift response and pray for the victims.”
Hospitals locked down, public urged to stay vigilant
Several hospitals in Greater Manchester, including Salford Royal and the Royal Oldham, were placed under temporary lockdown amid fears of further coordinated attacks.
NHS Greater Manchester urged residents to use emergency departments only in life-threatening cases. “This will help us prioritise care for those most in need and ensure emergency teams can respond effectively to this incident,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, GMP appealed to the public not to share graphic footage online but instead submit material directly to investigators. “We are grateful to members of the public whose quick actions allowed us to respond rapidly. Please refrain from circulating images on social media,” the force said.
Community left shaken but resolute
Outside the synagogue, members of the Jewish community gathered in silence, some holding candles, others comforting one another. Volunteers distributed blankets to those who had rushed to the scene.
One congregant, who asked not to be named, said: “We come here every year for Yom Kippur to pray, to atone, to be together. That this happened today feels like a desecration. But we will not stop coming. Our faith will not be broken.”
As Manchester reels from the tragedy, the government is expected to announce additional protective measures at places of worship nationwide. For many, the Manchester synagogue attack has underscored long-held fears about the vulnerability of faith communities to extremist violence.
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