Two people have died after a suspected terror attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, police have confirmed, while the suspect has been shot dead by officers.
The suspect is believed to have used a car and a knife to carry out the attack, Greater Manchester Police said as they confirmed a major incident had been declared. Three others remain in a serious condition.
Dozens of armed officers, fire and ambulance crews are on the scene at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, and a bomb disposal unit has been deployed following reports the suspect was wearing a suicide vest.
Shocked members of the community have gathered outside as the attack comes on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack and confirmed that “additional police assets” will be deployed at synagogues across the country as he flies back to the UK from Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting.
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said it is a “serious incident” and advised people to avoid the area.
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Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:33
‘Everyone is in utter shock’, says eyewitness who lives next door to the synagogue
Eyewitness Chava Lewin, said she heard a “banging sound” and thought it might be a firework.
Ms Lewin who described herself as a religious Jew lives next door to the synagogue.
She said: “My husband went outside and then ran back inside and said, ‘There’s been a terrorist attack.’
“I spoke to someone who said she was driving and saw a car driving erratically and it crashed into the gates (of the synagogue).
“She thought maybe he had a heart attack. The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue. He was in the courtyard.
“Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock.”
Another man said prayers had started when the attack happened but Rabbi Daniel Walker who was leading the service remained calm and he and others led the congregation to safety.
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:31
MP Graham Stringer said he knew people in Manchester would come together
Labour MP Graham Stringer said he knew the people of Manchester would come together to make sure “villains” do not damage the city.
He said: “It’s a dreadful attack designed to damage the Jewish community and damage inter-faith and inter-community relationships.
“I know that Mancunians will come together to make sure that villains like this do not damage our very tolerant city.
“I know the synagogue well and I know the people in the synagogue. I have lived within a stone’s throw of that synagogue for most of my adult life and I think it’s appalling.
“I know, like after the Manchester Arena attack, people will come together.”
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:26
The King has said he is ‘shocked and saddened’ by the attack
The King said: “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 by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:23
Met Police stepping up patrols at synagogues in London, Sadiq Khan confirms
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports
The Met Police are stepping up patrols at synagogues and Jewish communities across London, Sadiq Khan has confirmed, saying the capital “stands ready to help in any way we can” in the wake of the attack in Manchester.
In a statement, the mayor of London said: “I’m horrified by the violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
“I have been in contact with the mayor of Greater Manchester and the home secretary, and would like to reassure Londoners that the Met Police are stepping up patrols in Jewish communities and synagogues across London.
“My thoughts are with all those affected on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. London stands ready to help in any way we can.”
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:22
Israeli embassy described the attack as ‘abhorrent and deeply distressing’
The Israeli embassy condemned the incident in Greater Manchester, describing it as “abhorrent and deeply distressing”.
A statement released by the embassy said: “The embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom condemn the attack carried out today on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.
“That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.
“The embassy is in close contact with Manchester Jewish community, British authorities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to monitor developments, and ensure that the necessary support is provided.
“We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.
“The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:21
Robert Jenrick condemns ‘sickening’ attack in Manchester
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports
Robert Jenrick has condemned the “sickening” attack in Manchester, saying the whole country stands with the Jewish community”.
“The police appear to have done an incredible job in stopping the attacker so swiftly”, the shadow justice secretary said.
“This will be a terribly painful moment for the Jewish community, even more so because it is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. They must know the whole country stands with them.”
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:19
Pictured: Members of the public and congregants at the scene of the attack
Members of the public and congregants seen as Police and other emergency responders attend the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, where multiple were injured after stabbing and car attack on Yom Kippur.
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:19
Police say they are in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester
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.
“I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today’s incident, refrains from circulating them on social media – please do share directly with GMP through http://www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk/.”
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:16
Police confirm three people have died
Police have confirmed two people have died following the major incident outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Middleton Road, Crumpsall.
A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP Firearms Officers and is also believed to be deceased.
Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.
A large number of people who were worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the incident, were held inside while the immediate area was made safe but have since been evacuated.
Rebecca Whittaker2 October 2025 12:14
