A tragic incident unfolded in Manchester on Thursday morning when a car ramming and stabbing attack took place outside a synagogue, leaving three people dead, including the suspected assailant. The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, sending shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
Timeline of the Attack
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that they first received reports at 09:31 BST of a vehicle being driven into pedestrians near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall district. Shortly after, reports emerged that a man had been stabbed, believed to be a synagogue security guard.
By 09:37, GMP declared a major incident, deploying armed officers to the scene. Within minutes, police confronted a man armed with a knife and, after repeated warnings, opened fire at 09:38. The suspect was fatally shot after ignoring commands and attempting to continue his assault.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described chaotic and harrowing scenes. Local delivery driver Gareth Tonge said he saw a victim bleeding on the ground and another man attempting to force his way into a nearby building with a knife.
“He was stabbing the window, trying to get inside,” Tonge recalled. “Police arrived almost immediately, gave him warnings, but when he didn’t stop, they opened fire. Even after being hit, he tried to get back up, and they had to shoot again.”
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that a major incident was declared, and multiple emergency crews, including helicopters, were deployed to the area.
Casualties and Injuries
Police have confirmed three fatalities: two members of the public and the suspected attacker. In addition, three others remain in hospital in serious condition with injuries sustained from both the vehicle collision and knife wounds.
Authorities stressed that the situation is under control, but the area remains cordoned off as bomb disposal units investigated suspicious items found on the suspect.
The Suspect
An image taken near the synagogue showed the suspect with apparent objects strapped to his waist, prompting concerns about explosives. This led to a cautious police response, including a controlled explosion carried out at approximately 13:20.
Verified footage circulating on social media shows the moment armed officers confronted and shot the man after he ignored commands and attempted to rise from the ground.
While police have not released the attacker’s identity, they confirmed he died at the scene following the armed response.
Official Response
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham assured residents that “the immediate danger appears to be over,” but urged the public to avoid the area until the investigation is complete.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, calling it “appalling” and confirming that extra police resources would be deployed to synagogues nationwide. He also announced he would chair an emergency Cobra meeting in London later in the day.
Home Secretary and senior political leaders from across parties described the incident as an “outrageous assault” on the Jewish community, highlighting its impact on such a sacred occasion.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the attack, particularly as it came on Yom Kippur.
Significance of Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the most sacred day in Judaism, marked by fasting, reflection, and prayer. Synagogues are typically at their fullest, with heightened security in place due to the large gatherings.
Rabbi Jonathan Romain of Maidenhead Synagogue called the incident “every Jewish person’s worst nightmare,” noting that the attack struck at both a spiritual and communal level.
Community Impact
The Crumpsall district, located about four miles from Manchester’s city centre, is home to a significant Jewish population. Following the incident, members of the community gathered near the synagogue, visibly shaken and in mourning.
Operation Plato—the UK’s emergency response to potential terrorist threats—was enacted immediately after the first reports, ensuring coordinated efforts among police, ambulance, and fire services.
Conclusion
The attack on Manchester’s Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue has left the Jewish community and wider city reeling. With three people dead and others critically injured, the tragedy underscores the vulnerability of places of worship during times of religious observance.
Authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s motives, while security is being reinforced across the country. For now, Manchester and the UK at large stand in solidarity with the Jewish community as they grapple with grief on one of the holiest days of the year.
