The terrorist in the Manchester synagogue attack has been named by police as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Two Jewish men were killed and three other males remain in hospital with serious injuries after a car was driven at members of the public.
One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the vehicle 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.
Al-Shamie - the man behind the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall - was shot dead by armed officers.
Two men aged in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have been arrested near the scene on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism connected to the synagogue attack, Greater Manchester Police said.
It is understood that Al-Shamie’s name has not appeared in initial searches of police, security service or Prevent records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.
It has been widely reported he entered the United Kingdom as a young child, before being granted British citizenship in 2006 as a minor.
ITV News said Al-Shamie’s family have lived in the Greater Manchester area for more than 30 years and police were seen searching their home.
It understood he is a father and appears to have worked as a tutor teaching English and computer programming. ITV added Al-Shamie’s father is a trauma surgeon in war zones for a variety of aid agencies.
Further checks are being carried out to see if any of Al-Shamie’s details appear anywhere in other probes.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the suspect was shot dead seven minutes after the initial call to police.
He added that the bravery of synagogue security and worshippers prevented him from entering the building.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show members of the public shouting to firearms officers that the suspect had a bomb strapped to him.
READ MORE: Police patrols increased at London synagogues as Manchester attack sparks fear and outrage
A picture of the alleged attacker, circulating online, showed a man with a beard and dark clothing standing outside the synagogue with unidentified objects strapped to his waist.
Police confirmed the device the suspect was wearing was not viable.
He appears to have lived in Prestwich, around two miles from the scene.
His name is linked to a property in the town and a neighbour recognised his face from photographs of the synagogue attacker.
She told The Telegraph: “He lived there 10 years, with no wife or kids that I could see. He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.”
She added: “I’d see him walking around in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag.
“He was quite bulked up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I’d see them there.”
Sir Stephen said: "There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access."
Sir Keir Starmer returned to Downing Street from a European summit in Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting following the attack.
The Prime Minister thanked the emergency services for helping to prevent “an even greater tragedy”.
He also sent his condolences to the Jewish community and told British Jews he would “guarantee you the security you deserve”.
Sir Keir added: "We'll come together to wrap our arms around your community. We will show you Britain is a country where you and your family can be safe, secure and belong.”
Speaking 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."
GMP said in a statement: “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 surround suspicious items on his person. The bomb disposal unit has been called and is now at the scene.
“Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition. A large number of people 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.”
A spokesperson added: “We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.”
Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester: "It is a serious incident.
"I can give some reassurance immediately to people that that immediate danger appears to be over and Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly."
He later said in a statement: “Today we have witnessed a vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day. We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe.
“We stand with Greater Manchester’s Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them.”
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said the Metropolitan Police would increase their patrols in Jewish areas and Synagogues across the capital following the attack.
He posted on X: “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.”
I’m horrified by the violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) October 2, 2025
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…
King Charles also sent his condolences to those involved in the attack and their families.
In a statement, the King said he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.”
The statement added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales said in a personal message posted on social media: "Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of the terrible attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.
"The fact that this tragedy occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more shocking.
"We are thinking of the entire community as well as the emergency responders who attended this terrible incident."
Police declared a major incident at 9.37am after receiving a call from a man who said he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and that one man had been stabbed.
The force confirmed the suspect’s death a few hours after shots were fired by armed police at 9.38am.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said resources were sent to the scene.
In a statement, NWAS said: “Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”
The attack comes as members of the Jewish community observe Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and is a time when synagogues are usually particularly busy.
In a statement on X, Sir Keir Starmer said: “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.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders."
I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2025
The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.
My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency…
It is understood the Prime Minister will fly home early from a meeting of European leaders in Copenhagen to chair a Cobra meeting.
Reacting to the incident, the Community Security Trust (CST) branded it an "appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year".
The organisation, which monitors antisemitism in the UK, said: "CST is working with police and the local Jewish community following a serious incident at a synagogue in north Manchester.
"This appears to be an appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year. We thank the GMP officers and synagogue security who responded immediately to deal with the incident."
The area around the synagogue in Crumpsall has been swamped by dozens of police vehicles, along with fire and ambulance crews, while the force helicopter hovers over-head.
Streets surrounding the synagogue have also been cordoned off. The public have been advised to avoid the area.
Police officers dressed in black combat fatigues and carrying machine guns could also be seen inside the cordon outside the synagogue.
A Jewish man, among a group of shocked onlookers at the cordon, said his wife and daughter and other members of the congregation were still inside the synagogue.
A number of black, unmarked police 4x4 vehicles and vans carrying plain clothes officers with face coverings were seen leaving the area of the incident at speed.
A Jewish man said: "It is the holiest day of the year and we get this. There is no place for Jews in Britain anymore. It's over.”
Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust, a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, said: "Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year.
"It's a very solemn day and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day.
"There's always a significant security operation in place between police and CST across the Jewish community on all major Jewish festivals."
In terms of importance in the religious year he said it is similar to Christmas Day for Christians, but is a day of solemnity and fasting rather than celebration.
A number of hospitals in Greater Manchester are in "lockdown" following the incident at the synagogue in Crumpsall, it has been reported. People in the area are being asked to only attend hospital if their condition is life-threatening.
An internal note shared by the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) NHS Foundation Trust and seen by the Manchester Evening News said all of its sites "have been asked to immediately lock down" following the declaration of a major incident.
"We have been informed that emergency services are at the scene of an incident within Manchester. We will share further details as these become available," the note added.
NCA hospitals include Salford Royal, Fairfield General, Rochdale Infirmary and the Royal Oldham.
Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Emily Spurell said forces across the country are making efforts to reassure Jewish communities.
She said: "I am shocked by this morning's attack at a synagogue on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
"My thoughts are with the Jewish community and all those caught up in this troubling incident.
"I would urge people not to speculate about the circumstances and allow the police to investigate.
"Forces nationwide are responding quickly with additional resources deployed to synagogues to reassure Jewish communities across the country everything is being done to keep them safe."
Afzal Khan, Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, said on X: "Horrifying news out of Crumpsall this morning following a major incident. I want to thank the police for swift action.
"Praying for the whole community on this holy day. Violence is never the answer and Manchester must stand together against these actions."
The British Muslim Trust described the attack as "despicable" and "cowardly", and said it stands with the Jewish community.
The trust, a Government-funded organisation selected this year to monitor incidents of anti-Muslim hate, warned no-one should be allowed to "exploit this violence to deepen the division they seek".
British Muslim Trust chief executive Akeela Ahmed said: "The attack in Manchester this morning is shocking and utterly abhorrent, and to commit these acts on Yom Kippur is sickening. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and our thoughts and best wishes go to all those affected.
"There is never, and can never be, any place for this sort of despicable, cowardly violence in our society.”
