Two dead and suspect shot after attack at Manchester synagogue

Two people have been killed and three others seriously injured, after a suspected terror attack on a synagogue in North Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year.

The suspect, who is understood to have been shot by police, has not been identified, with police stating that there were “suspicious items on his person”, with a bomb disposal squad believed to be at the scene.

The attack took place at Heaton Park Synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, North Manchester, at 9:30 this morning.

A car was witnessed being driven towards members of the public, with at least one individual then stabbed. Armed police reached the synagogue and reportedly opened fire after the suspect ignored a couple of warning.

Video footage of the attack shows a person lying in a pool of blood, with multiple others lying on the ground.

News outlets have released an image of the alleged perpetrator of today’s attack. The man, bald with a beard, appears to be wearing a bullet proof vest and a possible bomb, although it is still unclear whether the belt is an explosive device.

The Community Security Trust, whose volunteers protect Synagogues all around the country, described how it was “working with police and the local Jewish community following a serious incident at a synagogue in north Manchester. This appears to be an appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year. We thank the GMP officers and synagogue security who responded immediately to deal with the incident.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.

“We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.

“We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.

“We will continue to provide updates as we can, but I would ask anyone who believes they may have a loved one involved in today’s incident, please use the Casualty Bureau information in the first instance.”

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has cut short a trip to Denmark to return to the UK, where he will chair an emergency meeting. In remarks at the airport, he confirmed that “additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country. We will do everything we can to keep our Jewish community safe.”

In an official statement, the Prime Minister said:

“I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall.

“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Today we have witnessed a vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day. We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe.

“We stand with GM’s Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them.”

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, the key Jewish organisation in the city, said:

“Today, on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – our community’s worst fears came true when a terrorist attacked congregants as they entered the Heaton Park Synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester.

“This horrendous attack is the culmination of two years of constant Jew hatred targeting our community by those who wish to attack us because of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. It is an event that every Jewish person in the UK has feared.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those members of our community who have been injured in this attack and we will provide them and their families with all the support they require.

“We want to thank GMP, CST and the other emergency services for their swift response and to the Government for their messages of support.”

Manchester Reform synagogue has issued a statement, saying: “Yom Kippur services cancelled. Do not attend. There’s been an incident, police are in response, at another Manchester synagogue. For security reasons we are cancelling today’s services with immediate effect.”

London’s Metropolitan Police has released a statement announcing that although “there is nothing to suggest an increased threat to London”, it has “deployed additional resources” to the areas “around synagogues, other Jewish community venues and in those boroughs with significant Jewish populations.”