At least four people were injured on Thursday morning after a violent attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, where witnesses reported a man driving a car toward members of the public before stabbing one of them.
The incident occurred near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that injuries were caused both by the vehicle and by knife wounds.
Firearms officers responded to the scene and shot a man believed to be the attacker. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or condition, though local reports suggest he may have died.
“This is being treated as a major incident,” police said in a statement, adding that counterterrorism officers are assisting with the investigation. Officials have urged the public to avoid the area while inquiries continue.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, said the “immediate danger appears to be over” but emphasised that a full investigation is underway.
The attack has drawn shock across the Jewish community, many of whom had gathered for Yom Kippur prayers. Community leaders have called for calm as security remains heightened at synagogues across the region.
As of Thursday morning, the condition of the injured victims had not been disclosed. Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward with information.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
UPDATES
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 15:24
Police say they believe they know the attacker’s identity “but for safety reasons at the scene we’re unable to confirm at this stage”.
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 15:21
Police have declared the Manchester synagogue attack a terror incident.
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 15:00
A witness reports seeing two men in handcuffs being led away by police on White House Avenue, near Heaton Park Synagogue.
The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the area is usually “very quiet”. He added: “They’ve arrested two people on our road,” but did not know the men.
He also reported a road closure, a police helicopter overhead, and six or seven police cars with armed officers present.
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 13:41
A loud controlled explosion has just been heard at the police cordon in Crumpsall. The bomb disposal unit are on the scene.
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 12:40
King Charles said that he and the Queen were ‘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.”
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 12:17
Police confirmed that two people have died following a car and stabbing attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
A third person, believed to be the suspect, was shot by police and is thought to be dead.
Officers say the suspect’s condition cannot yet be confirmed due to “suspicious items on his person,” with bomb disposal units currently at the scene.
Three other members of the public are in a serious condition, and police report that a “large number of people” were worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the attack.
