Two Dead in Car and Knife Attack Outside Manchester Synagogue

Two people were killed and four injured in a car and knife attack outside a Manchester synagogue. The suspected attacker, shot by police, is believed dead, with bomb disposal experts examining suspicious items. The attack occurred during Yom Kippur, prompting increased security nationwide.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that two people have died from their injuries following a violent attack outside a synagogue in the northern part of Manchester on Thursday. The incident took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, located on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, a neighborhood in the city’s north. Authorities have reported that a third individual, believed to be the attacker, was shot by armed police officers and is also thought to be deceased. However, due to safety concerns surrounding suspicious items discovered on him, his death has not yet been officially confirmed. Bomb disposal experts have been called to examine these items and are currently present at the scene, ensuring public safety while investigations continue.

In an online statement, GMP said, “Greater Manchester Police can confirm 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. It cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues surrounding suspicious items on his person. The bomb disposal unit has been called and is now at the scene.”

Police stated that they were responding to reports from members of the public regarding a car being driven toward civilians and a stabbing occurring outside the synagogue. The major incident was officially declared at 9:37 a.m. local time (08:37 GMT/UTC), and officers reportedly fired shots one minute later in response to the threat. Emergency services, including paramedics, quickly arrived at the scene to attend to the injured. North West Ambulance Services reported that four members of the public sustained injuries, caused both by the vehicle and by stab wounds. The injured individuals were treated at the scene and subsequently transported to local hospitals with serious injuries. A spokesperson for the service stated, “Our crews treated patients at the scene and transported four patients with serious injuries to hospital. Our resources remain on scene to support the ongoing response to the incident.”

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham addressed the unfolding situation in a statement to local BBC radio. He noted that while the attack appeared to be a major event, the immediate danger seemed to have passed. He, like the police, advised the public to avoid the area as emergency services continued to respond and secure the scene. The attack occurred during Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, making the timing particularly significant and distressing for the community.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his horror at the attack in a social media post, writing, “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.” At the time, Starmer was attending a European summit in Denmark, but he cut short his participation to return to the UK to chair a COBRA (Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms) meeting. This meeting brings together committees responsible for coordinating the government’s response to national emergencies. Before leaving Copenhagen, Starmer confirmed that additional police resources were being deployed to synagogues across the country, stressing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community.

Manchester is home to approximately 30,000 Jewish residents, making it the United Kingdom’s second-largest Jewish community after London. The attack has sent shockwaves through the city and the nation, with authorities continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, the motives of the attacker, and any potential risks to the public as the situation develops.