In a shocking event that has left the Jewish community in Manchester reeling, three individuals – the assailant and two victims – have tragically died following a violent attack near a synagogue on Thursday. According to reports from British police, three additional victims are currently in serious condition after a car was driven into pedestrians and a man was stabbed. The incident has been classified as a terrorism attack by counter-terrorism police, who confirmed they are aware of the attacker's identity and have made two arrests.
In the wake of this horrific event, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that police presence would be heightened at synagogues across the country. Starmer condemned the attack, stating, “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that targeted Jews simply because they are Jews, and attacked Britain due to our values.”
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a vehicle intentionally ramming into individuals walking near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, a suburb in north Manchester. In addition to the vehicle attack, a stabbing incident was also reported. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a call at 9:31 AM (08:31 GMT), and a major incident was declared shortly thereafter at 9:37 AM. Police firearms officers fired shots at 9:38 AM, as the situation escalated.
Emergency services, including the National Health Service (NHS) North West Ambulance Service, arrived on the scene shortly after, with paramedics treating patients. Critically injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for urgent medical care. This tragic attack coincided with Yom Kippur, a sacred day of atonement when many members of the Jewish community gather in synagogues to pray and reflect.
The violence unfolded at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, situated in Crumpsall, a community with a rich Jewish history dating back to 1935. With a population of approximately 18,000 residents, Crumpsall is located three miles (5 km) from Manchester city center and is well-connected by tram and bus services. The large Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue was completed in 1967 and has since been a focal point for the local Jewish community.
As confirmed by the police, two individuals lost their lives in this heinous attack, while three others suffered serious injuries. At this time, the identities of the victims have not been disclosed. Regarding the attacker, police initially indicated that he had been shot, but further details about his identity remain undisclosed. Reports suggest that the attacker was wearing a vest resembling an explosive device, raising further concerns about the nature of the incident.
By around 3:30 PM local time (14:30 GMT), Met Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor indicated that investigators believed they knew the attacker's identity and confirmed two arrests had been made.
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Starmer cut short his meeting with European leaders in Copenhagen to address the situation. He pledged that “additional police assets” would be deployed to synagogues nationwide to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. He also expressed his horror at the attack occurring on Yom Kippur, a day of profound significance for Jews worldwide.
Members of Parliament, including Hamish Falconer, expressed their shock and solidarity on social media, sending thoughts and prayers to those affected. Starmer held an emergency meeting at his office in Downing Street, attended by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley.
The Greater Manchester Police have urged the public to avoid the area as they continue their investigation. Initially, many worshippers who had gathered at the synagogue remained inside for safety but have since been evacuated. Following the attack, police declared a PLATO response, a code indicating a potential Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA). While this classification does not automatically imply a terrorist attack, it highlights the seriousness of the situation.
The police have also set up a public portal, known as a Casualty Bureau, for individuals inquiring about family and friends who may have been present during the attack. They encourage anyone involved who is now safe to report their status online.
This tragic incident is not an isolated event; reports indicate a rising trend of anti-Semitic attacks in the UK. The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to the welfare of British Jews, documented 3,528 incidents of anti-Semitism in 2024, marking the second-highest total ever recorded. Alarmingly, 19 of these instances involved damage to synagogues, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced community protection and awareness.
