Police have named the suspect behind a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester that left two people dead as Jihad Al-Shamie.
Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the car and stabbing attack on Thursday morning.
Police said he was wearing a vest that looked like an “explosive device”, which was later found to be not be “viable”.
Two men aged in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack in connection with the killings.
It is understood that Al-Shamie’s name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the “vile” attack as he said Britain “must defeat” rising antisemitism.
The prime minister, who visited the synagogue on Thursday evening, said: “While this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.”
Key Points
- Police name terrorist attack suspect as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie
- Two men and one woman arrested in connection with attack
- Two dead and three in hospital
- Counter Terrorism declare attack a 'terrorist incident'
- Attacker was shot within seven minutes of the call
- Police to be deployed to synagogues across the country
‘Our hearts are broken for you’: Community reeling after devastating terror attack kills two at Manchester synagogue
04:21 , Shweta SharmaA day usually reserved for worship and celebration became the “darkest of moments” as neighbours struggled to come to terms with a “heartbreaking” and “terrible” attack on Britain’s Jewish community.
Two people have died and three have been left in a serious condition after Jihad Al-Shamie launched a car and stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Shul in Greater Manchester on Thursday morning. Police have since declared it a terrorist incident, adding Al-Shamie was shot dead by firearms officers at the scene.
Speaking to The Independent, neighbours said they were “shocked” and “heartbroken” for the loss of “innocent lives” in a well-respected community. But others added they were saddened but “not surprised” by the act of terror, saying global tensions had spilled onto the streets targeting one of Britain’s largest Jewish neighbourhoods on their holiest day.
Read our ground report.
Community reeling after devastating terror attack kills two at Manchester synagogue
Pictures from the scene after attack
04:00 , Athena Stavrou
Netanyahu says ‘weakness on terrorism’ led to UK synagogue attack
03:54 , Shweta SharmaIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the “barbaric attack” on a British synagogue on Thursday was because “weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism”.
"Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded," he said.
"As I warned at the UN: Weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it."
Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester. Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded. As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more…
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 2, 2025
The Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, was more direct in his criticism of Kier Starmer government and accused the UK of failing to act against antisemitism.
“The truth must be told: blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement, as well as calls of support for terror, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the streets of London, in cities across Britain and on its campuses,” Sa’ar said in a post on X on Thursday night.
Independent View: This synagogue attack is a test of Britain’s traditional tolerance
03:02 , Athena Stavrou
The Manchester synagogue attack is a test of Britain’s traditional tolerance
Listen: Manchester synagogue attack eyewitness recalls police shooting suspect
02:19 , Athena StavrouMayor of Greater Manchester joins Home Secretary in condemning 'horrific' Manchester synagogue attack
01:34 , Athena StavrouHow the attack unfolded
Friday 3 October 2025 00:41 , Athena StavrouOfficers were called to the scene at 9.31am by a member of the public who said he had seen a car being driven towards people, and one man had been stabbed.
Police arrived shortly afterwards and declared “Plato”, the national code word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”, and a major incident at 9.37am.
Footage on social media appeared to show members of the public shouting to firearms officers that the suspect had a bomb strapped to him.
Police later confirmed the terrorist was wearing “a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device”.
Video posted on social media appeared to show officers pointing guns at someone lying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue.
The officers shout at onlookers to “get back” and “move on”.
The person on the ground starts to get up before there is the sound of a gunshot and they fall to the ground.
Another person was shown lying motionless on the ground outside the synagogue gates with blood near their head.
‘Our hearts are broken for you’: Community reeling after devastating terror attack kills two at Manchester synagogue
Thursday 2 October 2025 23:38 , Athena StavrouCommunity reeling after devastating terror attack kills two at Manchester synagogue
Mayor of Greater Manchester joins Home Secretary in condemning 'horrific' Manchester synagogue attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 23:21 , Athena StavrouFlags lowered in wake of attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 22:51 , Athena StavrouFlags will be flown at half mast on UK government buildings until 8pm on Friday following today’s attack in Manchester
The Speaker has also agreed that flags in House of Commons will be lowered for Manchester until 8pm tomorrow night.
Chief Rabbi: 'This is the day we hoped we would never see'
Thursday 2 October 2025 22:21 , Athena StavrouChief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has described today’s events as “the day we hoped we would never see”.
“Our hearts are shattered,” he said in a statement on X.
“Emerging from the holy fast of Yom Kippur, British Jews are now grasping the full extent of today’s terror attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester. This is the day we hoped we would never see, but which deep down, we knew would come.
“For so long we have witnessed an unrelenting wave of Jew hatred on our streets, on campuses, on social media and elsewhere – this is the tragic result.
“This not only an assault on the Jewish community, but an attack on the very foundations of humanity and the values of compassion, dignity and respect which we all share.
“I have spoken this evening to Rabbi Daniel Walker, the spiritual leader of the Heaton Park Synagogue. His courageous leadership, together with the resilience of his congregation, are an inspiration to us all.
“May the victims’ memories be for a blessing and may the injured be granted a swift recovery. I pray that this tragedy strengthens our collective resolve to confront antisemitism, in all its guises, once and for all.”
Our hearts are shattered.
— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) October 2, 2025
Emerging from the holy fast of Yom Kippur, British Jews are now grasping the full extent of today’s terror attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
This is the day we hoped we would never see, but which deep down, we knew would come.
For…
Full statement from Greater Manchester Police
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:37 , Athena Stavrou“The investigation into the attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in north Manchester this morning continues.
“We can confirm that three suspects are currently in custody and have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. They are two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s.
“Scenes remain in place on White House Avenue, Crumpsall and Langley Crescent, Prestwich, which are also linked to the arrests.
“We are now able to confirm that, although formal identification is yet to take place, we believe the person responsible for today’s attacks is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. He is a British citizen of Syrian descent.
“A suspicious device worn by the attacker during the incident has been assessed and was deemed not to be viable.
“Based on what we currently know, our records do not show any previous Prevent referrals relating to this individual.
“Two innocent men were sadly pronounced dead following the incident.
“Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries. One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the car involved in the attack.
“The third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.
“We are working to formally identify those who have tragically been killed and provide support to their loved ones, in addition to the injured and the wider community.
“We are working to understand the motivation behind the attack as the investigation continues.”
Two men killed in attack, police confirm
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:30 , Athena StavrouTwo men were killed in the terrorist attack outside a Manchester synagogue, Greater Manchester Police have said.
Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries following the attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the car involved in the attack, the force said.
The third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.
Operation 'Plato' stood down
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:24 , Athena StavrouGreater Manchester Police have confirmed that Plato, the national code word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”, has been stood down.
It is still being treated as a major incident, the force added.
Two men and one woman arrested
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:21 , Athena StavrouTwo men aged in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism connected to the synagogue attack, Greater Manchester Police said.
BREAKING NEWS
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:10 , Joe MiddletonThe man who carried out the Manchester synagogue terrorist attack has been named by Greater Manchester Police as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Seven minutes of terror: How a knifeman unleashed horror on a holy day
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:01 , Athena Stavrou-copy.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Seven minutes of terror: How a knifeman unleashed horror on Judaism’s most sacred day
CST thanks police and community for response
Thursday 2 October 2025 20:39 , Athena StavrouMark Gardner, chief executive of the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects the Jewish community from antisemitism, said his organisation will do “everything that we can to strengthen the protection of our Jewish communities”.
In a video statement posted on X, Mr Gardner said: “On behalf of everyone at CST, I send our prayers and our deepest, deepest sympathies to the families, the loved ones, of those lost in today’s terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue in the heart of the Jewish community in North Manchester.
“I praise the courage of the CST personnel, the commercial security guards and the synagogue congregants whose speedy reactions, and whose use of the security doors of the synagogue have prevented even more casualties than those who were cruelly lost.
“I thank the police for their swift reaction in neutralising the terrorist. We will work in the coming days with our Jewish community in North Manchester and with Jewish communities all across the UK, with the police, with the Government, we will do everything that we can to strengthen further the protection of our Jewish communities, to ensure that Jewish life can continue and that British Jews, British Jews, can lead the life of their choice, as they must be able to do.
“Thank you for joining us in this mission, and thank you for supporting and cooperating with our ongoing security efforts.”
Watch: Keir Starmer issues statement following Manchester synagogue terror attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 20:17 , Athena StavrouStarmer visits synagogue
Thursday 2 October 2025 20:01 , Athena StavrouPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has visited a synagogue this evening, it is understood.
Earlier today he chaired an emergency Cobra meeting in London.
Suspect not appeared in initial search of police records
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:54 , Athena StavrouThe suspect’s name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.
Further checks are being carried out to see if any of his details appear anywhere in records of other investigations.
Authorities have not yet released his name to the public.
Protest to go ahead ‘as planned’ after Manchester attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:47 , Athena StavrouPolice have called for a protest in London to be postponed in the wake of the attack on a synagogue in Manchester, it has been reported.
Hundreds of people have said they will attend a demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Saturday in support of Palestine Action, which has been banned by the Government as a terrorist organisation.
Organisers Defend Our Juries said the protest “will go ahead as planned”.
It said it was contacted by the Metropolitan Police asking for the demonstration to be postponed in light of the terrorist attack on Thursday.
In a letter of response to Scotland Yard, it said: “The protection of our democracy and the prevention of countless deaths are critical issues.
“Therefore, our protest will go ahead as planned for this Saturday.
“We urge you, therefore, to choose to prioritise protecting the community, rather than arresting those peacefully holding signs in opposition to the absurd and draconian ban of a domestic direct action group.
“We hope you make the right choice to not arrest those taking part, and correctly deploy counter-terrorism resources this weekend.”
Local speaks of shock after attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:31 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Nicole Wootton-Cane is on the scene in Manchester:
Speaking to reporters near the scene of the attack, one woman said: “I don’t think the community has even had a chance to react.
“Today is Yom Kippur. I think after there will be a lot of shock.
“This isn’t a surprise. We know there are people that want to hurt us. As long as we’re doing the right thing we’re ok and we trust in God.”
Manchester synagogue attack: Terrorist shot dead after killing two
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:22 , Athena StavrouLocal residents react to attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:12 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Nicole Wootton-Cane is on the scene in Manchester:
“It’s terrible,” one man, who did not want to be named, told The Independent.
“This is usually a very peaceful area, I’ve lived here for years. I live nearby and heard all the helicopters this morning.
“To hear two people have died it is just terrible.”
Officials hold evening press conference
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:57 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Nicole Wootton-Cane is on the scene in Manchester:
City officials have now held a short press conference, speaking to members of the media about what they called a “dark day” for Manchester’s Jewish communities.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “horrified” by the attack, adding the government would do “whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe”.
Ms Mahmood emphasized the “our” as she spoke in a clear demonstration of solidarity with both Manchester and the nation’s Jewish communities.
The Home Secretary said many questions remained to be answered after Thursday’s attack but urged the public to exercise patience, saying they would be probed over the coming days.
In a final defiant message she told reporters: “To those who seek to divide us, they will fail.”
Manchester City Council leader says attack will leave 'deep mark' on community
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:54 , Athena StavrouLeader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig said the attack will leave a “deep mark” on the community.
She said: “Tonight across Manchester, residents are horrified by the antisemitic terrorist attack that we’ve witnessed on our streets. Here in Crumpsall.
“Echoing the words of the Home Secretary and the Mayor, our thoughts were those who have lost their lives, their families, their loved ones, those that are injured and everyone that’s been affected.
“We know that this will leave a deep mark on our community here in Manchester, as Jewish people were attacked on their holiest day as they went to worship,
“But know this, in Manchester we will stand with and support our Jewish friends, our Jewish community, our neighbours, fellow residents.
“We’ll stand together, wrapping our arms around them with the love and the support that they need. We will work with agencies to make sure right across the city, everyone in our city feels safe.
“Tonight is a difficult moment of sadness and reflection, but I know that Manchester will come together – they’ll show the unity that we’re proud off, and they’ll stand with in declaring that hate has no place in our city and that Manchester is a city we can all be proud of, and a city that will show the love and the support to our Jewish friends that they need in this moment of darkness.”
Many questions still to be answered, says home secretary
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:50 , Athena StavrouThe home secretary has acknowledged there are “many questions still to be answered” after today’s attack.
Speaking at a press conference at the scene on Thursday evening, Shabana Mahmood said: “I know that there are many questions that are still to be answered and rest assured they will be answered as quickly as possible.
“It will just take a little time for us to establish exactly what has happened here but we will share more information as soon as we are able to.
“What I do want to say is to those who seek to divide us. They will fail.”
Burnham: We must stand together in 'troubling times'
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:46 , Athena StavrouAndy Burnham thanked the emergency services and the Community Security Trust (CST) for their support.
“We will never let acts that are designed to cause hatred, division and violence in our communities succeed,” he said.
“That’s our message tonight to everybody across Greater Manchester. Do not let them succeed.
“Respond by reaching out. By re-doubling efforts to work together and stand together in these troubling times.”
Home secretary and Manchester mayor giving press conference
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:42 , Athena StavrouHome secretary Shabana Mahmood and the Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are now holding a press conference.
They were seen shaking hands of officers who have been on the scene today as they arrived on the scene.
Netanyahu issues statement
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:37 , Athena StavrouIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement following the attack today.
He said in a statement: “Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester.
“Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded.
“As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism.
“Only strength and unity can defeat it.”
PM condemns “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:26 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer condemned a “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.
Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.
“So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.
“Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.”
Britain must defeat rising antisemitism: PM
Thursday 2 October 2025 17:58 , Athena StavrouBritain must defeat rising antisemitism, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Giving a statement from 10 Downing Street, he said: “Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.
“Today’s horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.
“On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences to the families and victims affected. I want to thank the Greater Manchester police, the first responders and those dedicated security specialists, there is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery.”
Two arrested in connection with the attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 16:06 , Athena StavrouGreater Manchester Police have confirmed two people have been arrested after today’s attack at a synagogue.
“I can confirm that two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident and urgent inquiries are ongoing,” Chief Constable Stephen Watson said.
Attacker prevented from entering synagogue thanks to 'brave' worshipers
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:58 , Athena StavrouAn official from Greater Manchester Police has said the attacker was prevented from entering the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue partly thanks to the bravery of those inside.
“Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshipers inside as well as fast response of police the attacker was prevented from gaining access,” Chief Constable Stephen Watson said.
“All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm it was safe to leave the premises.”
Two dead and four in hospital
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:55 , Athena StavrouTwo members of Jewish community are dead and four more people are in hospital, police have said.
Manchester Police said there is a variety of serious injuries and treatment is ongoing.
Attacker was shot within seven minutes of the call
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:54 , Bryony GoochChief Constable Stephen Watson has said the attacker was fatally shot within seven minutes of the incident being reported to the police.
“Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender, and he was fatally shot by officers within seven minutes of the original call,” he told a press conference.
Greater Manchester Police speaks now
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:53 , Bryony GoochGreater Manchester Police have started their press conference. Here is the latest.
Analysis: Why has the terror suspect not been named?
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:49 , Bryony GoochCrime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
Counter Terrorism Police have said they believe they know the identity of the suspect who launched a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue, killing two people.
However for "safety reasons at the scene" they have not been able to confirm this, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor revealed. Two further arrests have been made.
The bomb squad has been called to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, amid fears the suspect was carrying an explosive.
Pictures and footage from the incident this morning appears to show the alleged knifeman wearing a suicide belt before he was shot dead by armed police.
Crumpsall local councillors speak out following synagogue attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:48 , Bryony GoochIn a joint statement, Crumpsall local councillors Nasrin Ali, Jawad Amin and Fiaz Riasat said: “Today, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, should have been a special time for our Jewish communities – a time of reflection, atonement and peace.
“Instead, Crumpsall has been shocked by the horrifying and senseless attack on a place of worship – an act that we condemn in the strongest possible terms.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, along with the entire Jewish community in Manchester and further afield.
“We will always stand against hatred and we offer our Jewish friends solidarity and our full support at this time.”
Analysis: Police ‘mobilising fast’ to protect Jewish communities after synagogue incident declared a terror attack
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:45 , Bryony GoochCrime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
Police are “mobilising fast” to protect Jewish communities across the country after the deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue was declared a terrorist attack.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the car and knife attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, was “appalling”.
He vowed that policing is stepping efforts to protect Jewish communities which have faced a surge in antisemitic incidents since the events of 7 October 2023.
“An attack on our Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating,” he said. “Communities across the UK would normally be marking this holy day are now grieving and worried about their safety, and I want to be clear, UK policing is mobilising, and it's mobilising fast
“Police forces are stepping up patrols across the country at synagogues and Jewish sites, and more widely, to provide reassurance to all those communities who have been affected by this incident.”
Counter Terrorism briefing summarised
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:25 , Bryony GoochSpeaking outside New Scotland Yard, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “This morning, an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall in Manchester. Two people have died. The attacker has been shot dead by the police.
“We believe we know their identity, but for safety reasons at the scene, we’re unable to confirm at this stage.
“Three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests, and based on what we know, counter terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident.”
Counter terrorism police are working with officers in Greater Manchester to investigate the attack.
Mr Taylor added: “Those who have been killed injured at the forefront of our minds as of their families, friends, and all of those who love them and attack them on Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating.”
Counter Terrorism declare attack a 'terrorist incident'
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:23 , Bryony GoochAs well as making two further arrests, the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor has declared a “terrorist incident” and specialist teams are leading the investigation.
“As we do this, those who have been killed and injured are the forefront of our minds, as are their families, friends and all those who love them. An attack on our Jewish community, today on Yom Kippur, is devastating.”
