Summary: what we know so far
Two members of the Jewish community have died and three people remain in hospital after a terrorist attack outside a synagogue by a man who was shot dead by officers, Greater Manchester police (GMP) have said.
Police shot the suspect dead, who appeared to be wearing an “explosive device”, after one person was stabbed and a car was driven at members of the public at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
GMP said the suspicious device worn by the attacker has been assessed and was determined not to be viable.
The man who carried out the attack was named by GMP as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. A police statement added: “Based on what we currently know, our records do not show any previous Prevent referrals relating to this individual.” Officials said the attacker had entered the United Kingdom as a young child, and was granted British citizenship in 2006. They added he was of Syrian descent originally.
GMP also said in the statement that three people were in custody after being 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. The GMP statement added: “Scenes remain in place on White House Avenue, Crumpsall and Langley Crescent, Prestwich, which are also linked to the arrests.”
GMP said officers were called to the synagogue on Middleton Road at 9.31am by a person who said he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and that one man had been stabbed.
GMP said it declared Plato – the national codeword used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack” – at 9.37am. Bomb disposal crews arrived at the scene and military personnel in fatigues could be seen unloading equipment from the back of a vehicle a short distance from the synagogue.
At least two ambulances were at the scene along with two fire engines and a large number of police vehicles, including several unmarked ones, while a police helicopter flew overhead. Members of the Jewish Community Security Trust (CST) were manning the police cordon.
The GMP chief constable, Stephen Watson, later said the attacker was wearing a vest that looked like an “explosive device” but this was later confirmed to be unviable. He also said that, thanks to the bravery of worshippers, security staff and the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from entering the synagogue.
Witnesses were said to have seen a car driving erratically before a man got out and started attacking people with a knife. When it became clear what was happening, members of the congregation are said to have blockaded the doors to the synagogue.
Keir Starmer flew back to the UK early from a meeting of European leaders in Denmark in order to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after the incident.
The Cobra meeting, which saw home secretary Shabana Mahmood dial in remotely from north Manchester, concluded shortly after 5pm and lasted around an hour.
Other religious leaders have spoken about the attack in Manchester.
The Church of England’s current most senior bishop, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, said he was “very shocked” to hear what had happened and was praying that “all may live alongside each other in harmony and respect”.
Echoing this, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said: “It is a duty of us all to work together to ensure a more cohesive and respectful society, one in which such violence and inhumanity have no place.”
Cardinal Nichols, who is the Archbishop of Westminster, said the attack “shocks me to the core” and described how Jews and Christians “are closely bound together in our common faith in God”.
He added: “My prayers, and those of the Catholic community, are heartfelt and profound: for those who have died, the bereaved, the injured, and those who will feel less safe tonight.”
Imam Qari Asim, co-chair of the British Muslim Network, said: “Places of worship must always be sanctuaries of peace and safety – not scenes of fear and hatred. We cannot ignore the growing tide of religious hatred in our country. Whether it is Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of bigotry, we must confront it together – with unity and courage, not silence.”
He added: “The bloodshed and violence in the Middle East – which is excruciatingly painful to witness for all of us – must not be allowed to poison our streets in Britain. We must never let pain abroad be used to justify hatred and violence against anyone at home.”
Rabbi Jonathan Romain, emeritus rabbi of Maidenhead Synagogue, said it appeared tensions over the war in Gaza had “spilled over” to the UK, despite efforts to stop that happening. He told the PA news agency: “The real tragedy is, of course, that the war in Gaza, which is tragic in itself, has sort of spilled over into the United Kingdom.”
Meanwhile, the British Muslim Trust described the attack as “despicable” and “cowardly”, and said it stands with the Jewish community.
Attack was 'tragic result of unrelenting wave of Jew hatred on our streets, social media and elsewhere,' says chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis
Chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said the terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue was the “tragic result” of an “unrelenting wave of Jew hatred on our streets, campuses, on social media and elsewhere”.
“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.”
Here are some of the images coming through on the news wires from Manchester:
Earlier in the day, officials hailed those inside the synagogue who barricaded the door and prevented the attacker from getting inside.
Greater Manchester police chief constable Sir Stephen Watson praised the “immediate bravery” of security staff and worshippers who shut the attacker out during what Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham described as a “horrific antisemitic attack”.
Watson 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.”
Officials said the attacker had entered the United Kingdom as a young child, and was granted British citizenship in 2006.
They added he was of Syrian descent originally.
Updated
Feelings of safety in the UK’s Jewish community have declined sharply in the last couple of years, according to the largest survey of British Jews since 7 October 2023.
The research, conducted in June and July, found 35% of Jews felt unsafe in Britain in 2025, compared with 9% in 2023 before the Hamas attacks.
Perceptions of antisemitism had also intensified, with 47% of British Jews seeing it as a “very big” problem – up from just 11% in 2012.
The organisers of a protest in support of banned terror group Palestine Action have refused a plea by Scotland Yard to call it off in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack.
Hundreds of people have said they will attend a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in London on Saturday in support of the group, which has been banned by the government as a terrorist organisation.
Defend Our Juries, who organised the demonstration, said the protest “will go ahead as planned”, PA Media reports.
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.”
Here’s more from the police statement:
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.
Greater Manchester police said a suspicious device worn by the attacker has been assessed and was determined not to be viable.
The force also said Al-Shamie’s name has not appeared in police and security service records, and he is not thought to have been under investigation.
Further checks are being carried out to see if any of his details appear anywhere in records of other investigations.
Updated
Three people in custody on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism
Greater Manchester police also said in the statement that three people were in custody after being 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.
The GMP statement said: “Scenes remain in place on White House Avenue, Crumpsall and Langley Crescent, Prestwich, which are also linked to the arrests.”
Updated
Manchester synagogue attack suspect named by police
The 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.
Police said in a statement:
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.
Updated
The chief executive of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Olivia Marks-Woldman, has said antisemitism “has no place in our society” and “we must confront it whenever it arises”.
“We are horrified by today’s antisemitic attack in Manchester. Taking place on Yom Kippur, a moment of atonement and reflection, it is a truly horrendous event,” she said in a statement.
Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims and with the Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK, who will understandably feel shocked and afraid.
At the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, we remember the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred. Our mission is to remember the darkest chapters of human history and to learn from the past to challenge prejudice today. That duty is all the more urgent in moments like this.
Antisemitism is a pernicious hatred that has no place in our society. We must confront it wherever it arises, without hesitation and without compromise.
Attack is 'something we feared was coming', says statement from Board of Deputies of British Jews and Jewish Leadership Council
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council said the Manchester attack “was sadly something we feared was coming” at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK.
They urged members of the Jewish community to carefully follow instructions from the Community Security Trust charity, police and other authorities.
In a statement, they said:
As we emerge from the fast of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in our calendar, many in our community will only now be learning of the horrific attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester. We are devastated at the loss of two members of our Jewish community, and our thoughts are with their families, those who are injured and receiving treatment, and all those who have been affected by this act of antisemitic terror.
Our communal organisations are working in close coordination with one another and with all relevant authorities including government and police.
We urge all members of our community to carefully follow instructions from the CST, police and other authorities, intended to keep us safe. We are grateful to the police and the synagogue’s security team for their courageous action, as well as that of other emergency responders, which undoubtedly prevented further tragedy.
We thank the Government for its swift response, and His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister and other senior politicians for their expressions of support. We are also thankful for the widespread solidarity expressed for the Jewish community from across our diverse society, including faith and belief leaders from across the spectrum.
At this dark time, these acts of solidarity will be a comfort to our community. At a time of rising antisemitism in the UK, this attack was sadly something we feared was coming. We call on all those in positions of power and influence to take the required action to combat hatred against Jewish people, and will be working with the authorities on a series of additional measures to protect our community over the coming days.
Updated
The president of the Conference of European Rabbis, Pinchas Goldschmidt called for more to be done to “stamp out murderous ideologies” following the terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
“Jews in Manchester, England, woke up this morning to pray, and were murdered in their own synagogue,” he said, in comments reported by PA. “More needs to be done to stamp out murderous ideologies. Governments from the world over should spare us the statements about fighting antisemitism and instead ensure Jews are safe.”
Mark 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, 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, 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.
Investigators believe suspect was a naturalised British citizen
Investigators at this early stage believe the attacker was a naturalised British citizen. His last known address was in Manchester.
Updated
Keir Starmer has visited a synagogue this evening, Press Association is reporting.
The leader 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 … 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.”
Worshippers had arrived early for a special morning service at Heaton Park shul in north Manchester. It was Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and rabbi Daniel Walker was leading prayers in his long white robes. By 9.31am, they were stained with blood.
As people made their way to the synagogue, they saw a small black car being driven erratically before it crashed into the gates. At first, some thought the driver had suffered a heart attack. But within seconds he had jumped out of the vehicle, dressed all in black, and had started stabbing those nearby.
It was “a rampage,” said one witness. An elderly man lay motionless and bleeding at the entrance to the shul. Another victim lay crumpled beneath the car bonnet. In the courtyard, the attacker appeared to be trying to break into the synagogue, stabbing and slashing at the windows as worshippers barricaded the doors.
Within six minutes, the knifeman lay prone after being shot by armed officers. As he lay on the floor, terrified passersby could see three white objects strapped to his waist. “He’s got a bomb!” shouted one man, as those inside the synagogue stared, terrified, from the windows above. “Shoot him!”
The attacker then tried to sit up. “Shoot him!” a witness shouted again. One of the officers fired a final, fatal shot.
In just six minutes, the assailant had brought terror to the Jewish community on their holiest day.
You can read our North of England editor’s full account here
Investigators seeking suspect's devices
The investigation is still trying to locate and examine all of the suspect’s electronic devices, looking for clues as to what radicalised him. Increasingly key is what material on the internet was consumed, as well as any searches for targets and attack planning before he staged Thursday’s atrocity, as well as whom he was in contact with. At this early stage of the investigation, detectives and other investigators suspect an Islamist motive but are looking for evidence to confirm or rebut that theory.
The shooting dead of the suspect has to by law be investigated independently by the Independent Office of Police Conduct, and the police watchdog confirmed it had started work.
Updated
Bishop of Manchester David Walker said he first knew something had happened when he heard the police response. “I live only five minutes drive away from here, the first we knew was we heard the helicopters flying overhead,” he said, “and we knew that’s not a good sign when you hear that in the morning.”
“I know the Rabbi here,” he added, and said stories of the Rabbi, Daniel Walker, stepping in to aid congregants in the aftermath were “entirely in character,” describing him as “a good man, a lovely man,” who “would do what he could to protect his people.”
“I know lots of the people who live in this community, and I just feel for them in their shock at what’s been done to them,” he said. “We’re living in a time of increased tensions as we know. I think the communities in Manchester have been good at pulling together in times of crisis. We did that in 2017 when we had the Arena attack, we worked hard to show that you don’t beat hatred by showing more hate, you beat hatred by showing love. I hope that’s what we will do this time round.”
“The people who do these kind of atrocities, they want to divide us, that’s the whole point of it,” he added. “They want to drive us apart from each other. So the best defiance we can show is to be even more united, even more determined to hold together than we were before.”
Manchester Rusholme MP Afzal Khan, who lives close to the synagogue, said he was “shocked and horrified” when he heard about the attack. “It’s horrific, it’s terrible, nobody wants to see this,” he said. “And this is not what reflects Manchester, this is not what Manchester is all about.”
He said that different faith communities in the area typically coexist peacefully. “In Manchester we have experience of difficult circumstances, and we’ve seen how we come together,” he said. “We also have experience of celebrating together, sharing of activities, festivals together. I’m someone who has done more than three decades of work of bringing communities together here in Greater Manchester.”
“I would say people get on,” he said, “this actually is out of place, that’s why I found it so shocking, and why I found it so horrific.”
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham says city will not allow 'division in our communities'
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, condemned the terrorist attack on a synagogue in the city as “an horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours” and urged people to “stand together in these difficult times”.
Giving a statement to reporters at the scene, Burnham said: “Tonight, our first thoughts are with the families of those people who died, those injured and those traumatised by this, an horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours. We condemn it outright.
“Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked. We ask everyone to show solidarity to the Jewish community this weekend, and already, we’ve mobilised through our interfaith network messages of support and solidarity through places of worship.”
He added: “We always will stand together here in Greater Manchester, and we will never let acts that are designed to cause hatred, division in our communities, violence - we will never let them succeed, and that’s our message tonight to everybody across Greater Manchester: Do not let them succeed. Respond by reaching out, by redoubling efforts to work together and stand together in these difficult times.”
He praised emergency services responding to the terrorist attack on a synagogue for what he called “an exemplary blue light response”.
Updated
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government “will do whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe”.
She said: “I am horrified by the antisemitic terrorist attack at a synagogue on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. My prayers are with the victims and the families of all of those who are murdered here today.
“I want to thank the police and all of the emergency services for the speed of their response and also for their considerable bravery. The government has stepped up security at synagogues across the whole of the country, and we will do whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe.
“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.”
Updated
Suspect's name 'not in initial counter-terrorism searches'
The suspect’s name does not appear in initial searches of counter terrorism systems, sources tell the Guardian.
He is not thought to have been under current terrorist investigation and further checks are being carried out to see if counter terrorism officials knew anything at all, such as his name or details appearing on the periphery of other investigations.
Updated
The suspect was shot dead after armed officers spotted what seemed to be a bomb belt on him. The fake bomb belt technique has been used in two previous Islamist attacks in Britain. They were Fishmonger’s Hall in 2019 and London Bridge in 2017, in both cases the attackers were shot dead, with the fake devices cobbled together by the terrorists.
Eyewitness recounts events inside synagogue
Rob Kanter, 45, a university lecturer with a PhD in Jewish Muslim relations, was inside the synagogue at the time of the attack.
“We’d already made sure that the doors and windows were shut,” he said, when they heard a commotion outside. Then he said they heard shots, before the police came in to escort them to safety. “The police came in, we were taken out from the main part of the synagogue, and then, of course, we were taken out of the premises,” he said.
When he first heard the shots, Kanter said, he felt “bewildered, because I think the adrenaline kicks in” and then found himself questioning “am I really hearing this?”
His first response then he said was “how are we going to keep ourselves and everyone else safe?” But he said the mood inside the synagogue was “actually relatively calm” as the attack unfolded outside.
“I would say the mood amongst our fellow congregants was very calm, and everyone deals with these things in their own way,” he said. “Some people get through this in a very quiet way, others like to talk, some people even try and use an element of humour just to keep themselves going.
“So I would say that people all respond in their different ways, but generally, everyone was very calm and dignified.”
Kanter said that once they were evacuated by police, the Rabbi did his best to continue with the Yom Kippur service. “We continued to do part of the service,” he said, “because at the end of the day, because it’s awkward, and it’s difficult, people have got a multitude of emotions going on, but we carried on, and did not the whole service, but we did what we could in the circumstances.”
“At the end of the day,” he added, “our Rabbi’s role was to try and say, yes, this is a terrible tragedy, but we want to try where possible to remember today as Yom Kippur, and we did as much as we could as a group.”
Updated
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu 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.”
Updated
Police have asked organisers to postpone a mass protest against the ban on Palestine Action so resources can be used to protect Jewish and Muslim communities after the terror attack at a Manchester synagogue.
Defend Our Juries, the group which has been organising the protests in London, said it intended to go ahead with its action on Saturday, and it urged the police to focus on protecting those communities fearing reprisals or follow-up terror attacks.
“We urge you 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,” Defend Our Juries told the Metropolitan police in a letter of reply
The protest in London on Saturday could set a record for the number of people arrested at a single event of civil disobedience, according to organisers. They said they had received 1,500 pledges to attend the demonstration and risk arrest and were expecting hundreds more to register by the weekend.
A letter sent by the Metropolitan police to Defend Our Juries after the attack in Manchester – in which two members of the Jewish community died and four were left in a serious condition by a man who was shot dead by officers – said the event in London would require “a significant policing plan”.
“Following the horrific and tragic events that have taken place in Manchester this morning, the details of which are still developing, the Met is stepping up reassurance and protective security operations across the capital with a particular focus on London’s Jewish and Muslim communities,” said the letter, which was in the name of deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan.
“However, as you know your previous large-scale events and other concurrent protests place a significant pressure on policing and draw officers away from the communities they serve to be in central London. This means less neighbourhood and response officers in their communities and less officers focusing on serious crimes.”
The Jewish community in Britain has faced “an increase in the climate of intimidation and fear,” Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has said.
She told the PA news agency:
I’m absolutely horrified by these attacks. I think it’s a disgusting and vile act.
I cannot imagine how tough it must be for all the people affected. And my condolences go out to the families of the people who’ve lost their lives and those who are so seriously injured.
And one of my core beliefs is that we need to make sure that Britain is a safe country for Jewish people. Many people fled the Holocaust in Europe. They found sanctuary in the UK. We need to make sure that we continue to be a safe place for Jewish people.
And we what we have seen over the last few years, especially since October 7, is an increase in the climate of intimidation and fear, an increase in antisemitism.
Britain must defeat rising antisemitism, 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.
Updated
Police Scotland has confirmed it is carrying out additional patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues as part of their existing policing plan for the Jewish High Holy Days, adding there is no intelligence to suggest any specific similar threat in Scotland.
Assistant chief constable Stuart Houston, lead for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism in Scotland, said:
Our thoughts are with the Jewish community, the victims, families, and everyone affected by the incident in Manchester.
Following the incident, we are actively communicating with faith leaders and community leaders.
While there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat in Scotland, I want to take this opportunity to ask the public to remain alert but not alarmed.
Speaking after First Minister’s Questions earlier this afternoon, John Swinney told journalists that safety at places of worship was a “significant concern” and that Police Scotland would work with communities in the aftermath of the incident.
Swinney said:
There is absolutely no place for violence in our society, and there certainly is no place for violence in relation to the Jewish community, particularly people who are engaged in worship at an incredibly sensitive time of the year”.
Individuals must be able to live in safety in our country, and they must be able to worship in safety.
Starmer: synagogue knifeman 'attacked Jews because they are Jews'
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.
Starmer said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
He added:
To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this. I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do.
And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.
And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.
I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.
And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong.
The day so far
Two members of the Jewish community have died and four are in a serious condition after a terrorist attack outside a synagogue by a man who was shot dead by officers, Greater Manchester police (GMP) have said.
Police shot the suspect dead, who appeared to be wearing an “explosive device”, after one person was stabbed and a car was driven at members of the public at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Counter-terrorism police said they knew the identity of the attacker and that two people had been arrested after the attack. At a press conference outside New Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan police’s head of counter-terrorism policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said the suspect’s identity could not be disclosed because of “safety reasons at the scene”.
GMP said officers were called to the synagogue on Middleton Road at 9.31am by a person who said he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and that one man had been stabbed.
GMP said it declared Plato – the national codeword used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack” – at 9.37am. Bomb disposal crews arrived at the scene and military personnel in fatigues could be seen unloading equipment from the back of a vehicle a short distance from the synagogue.
At least two ambulances were at the scene along with two fire engines and a large number of police vehicles, including several unmarked ones, while a police helicopter flew overhead. Members of the Jewish Community Security Trust (CST) were manning the police cordon.
The GMP chief constable, Stephen Watson, later said the attacker was wearing a vest that looked like an “explosive device” but this was later confirmed to be unviable. He also said that, thanks to the bravery of worshippers, security staff and the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from entering the synagogue.
Witnesses were said to have seen a car driving erratically before a man got out and started attacking people with a knife. When it became clear what was happening, members of the congregation are said to have blockaded the doors to the synagogue.
Keir Starmer flew back to the UK early from a meeting of European leaders in Denmark in order to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after the incident.
The Cobra meeting, which saw home secretary Shabana Mahmood dial in remotely from north Manchester, concluded shortly after 5pm and lasted around an hour.
British Jews facing a 'horrific wave of antisemitism', says Israeli foreign affairs minister
Israel’s foreign affairs minister Gideon Sa’ar said the Jewish community of Britain is facing a “horrific wave of antisemitism”.
In a post on social media site X, he wrote:
I am appalled by the murderous attack near the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on the morning of the holiest day for the Jewish people: Yom Kippur.
My deepest condolences go to the families who have lost their loved ones, and I wish a swift and full recovery to the injured.
I stand with the wonderful Jewish community of Britain, which is currently suffering from a horrific wave of 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.
The authorities in Britain have failed to take the necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist.
We expect more than words from the Starmer government. We expect and demand a change of course, effective action, and enforcement against the rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement in Britain.
Updated
Police confirm attacker's device was 'not viable'
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that the device the suspect was wearing was not viable.
Police had earlier said the suspect was wearing a vest that had looked like an explosive device.
There had earlier been concerns the attacker had been carrying a bomb, which delayed police from being able to declare him dead.
However, it is now confirmed that the ‘device’ – which appeared in photos to be bottles or canisters – was not a bomb. This has been seen in previous terror incidents in the UK, including the London Bridge attack in 2017.
A spokesperson also confirmed that Plato – the code name for a maurauding terrorist attack – has been stood down, but the major incident status remains.
Updated
Deputy prime minister and justice secretary David Lammy leaves the Cabinet Office on Whitehall, central London, after a Cobra meeting chaired by prime minister Keir Starmer.
The emergency Cobra meeting is now over and lasted around an hour, BBC News reports.
It was led by prime minister Keir Starmer, with home secretary Shabana Mahmood joining remotely from Manchester.
Crumpsall ward councillors issued a statement earlier today following the attack in north Manchester.
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.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood will join the Cobra meeting led by Keir Starmer in response to the attack in Crumpsall remotely from Greater Manchester, it is understood.
Mahmood travelled to Greater Manchester Police headquarters on Thursday afternoon for an operational update and to show her support to officers.
She has also spoken with the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, as well as with Jewish community leaders, including Marc Levy of the Jewish Leadership Council and Mark Gardner, CST chief executive, to offer any support needed.
The number of antisemitic incidents in the UK since the 7 October Hamas attacks and the Gaza war has more than doubled.
Here is a graph that shows that while attacks against Muslims remain the higher figure, incidents against Jewish people have significantly increased over the past two years.
Both Manchester football clubs have released brief statements.
Manchester United said:
The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with the victims of today’s tragic events in north Manchester and we offer our support to all those affected. #ACityUnited.
And Manchester City said:
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events which took place in Manchester this morning, and we are sending our support and condolences to all those affected during this difficult time.
A bomb disposal robot works by the body of the attacker, not visible in this image, after the man was seen wearing a vest that resembled as explosive device.
The North West Ambulance Service issued a new statement after police confirmed two Jewish people had died as a result of the attack.
A spokesperson said:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of life as a result of the horrific incident on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, this morning, and our condolences go out to all the victims, their families, and the broader Jewish Community across the north-west.
Our crews assessed and treated patients at the scene and took four patients to local hospitals. We can confirm that ambulances remain on scene to support the incident response.
We would like to thank our frontline colleagues and emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication in such challenging circumstances.
While there has been no impact on the ability to provide emergency care to the wider community as a result of this incident, we would like to remind people only to call 999 in an emergency. NHS 111 online is available for non-urgent health advice.
The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA), which runs Salford Royal, the Royal Oldham Hospital, Fairfield General Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary, said its sites and services are open as normal.
“Patients should attend for their treatment and appointments as planned unless told otherwise by the service they are attending,” it said on X at 3.31pm.
It comes after the Manchester Evening News reported an internal note from the trust, seen by reporters, which said the hospitals were in lockdown.
Watson says the attacker was unable to gain access to the synagogue and that people sheltered inside until it was safe to exit.
He is thanking the public for calling the police and alerting officers as to what was happening this morning.
Watson wraps up the press conference by saying the day’s events will have a “significant impact” across all communities up and down the country.
However, he says it will take time to answer all questions. “There are grieving families and communities at the heart of this in Greater Manchester and beyond,” Watson adds, as he appeals for people not to share images and videos online.
GMP confirms two members of the Jewish community were killed in synagogue attack
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Stephen Watson is giving a press conference and says he believes the offender’s identity has been established but that it is “premature” to name him publicy.
He confirms two Jewish people have died as a result of the attack.
“Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot within seven minutes of the original call,” he says.
Watson says the police’s enquiries are “moving at pace” and updates will be provided “as soon as is practicable”. Four people remain in hospital with serious injuries, he says.
He says a car drove at people outside the synagogue in Crumpsall, the driver attacked people with a knife and was wearing “a vest that had the appearance of an explosive device”.
Updated
Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen has briefly commented on the attack in Manchester at a press conference.
She says:
First of all, let me start by expressing my deepest sympathy to the British people and to the Jewish community and to our friend Keir Starmer, who had to leave the summit today.
The incident in Manchester is terrible and horrifying and my thoughts are with the affected families in these difficult times.
The prime minister Keir Starmer has just arrived back at Downing Street after flying home this morning.
He flew home early from a summit of European leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark, to chair a meeting of the government’s emergency committee.
The prime minister was seen walking in the front entrance of No 10, followed shortly after by national security adviser Jonathan Powell.
A witness told BBC Radio Manchester he saw the armed police officers shoot the suspect twice, once after he tried to get back up off the ground.
The speaker, named as Gareth, told the station that he was driving in the area making deliveries when he saw what he thought initially was a car crash.
He said:
We got a bit closer, we’ve seen a guy bleeding out on the floor. He was just basically unconscious on the floor, presumed, obviously dead.
There was a guy in front of the car - he just lay on the floor. We couldn’t really see him.
There was a few people stood on the road, somebody shouted ‘He’s in the school’ or the synagogue.
And then as we looked over, the guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in … And then within seconds, the police arrived.
They give him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen, so they opened fire. He went down on the floor, and then he started getting back up, and then they shot him again.
Updated
Police declare Manchester synagogue attack 'terrorist incident'
Assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor, national head of counter-terrorism policing, says the attacker has been shot dead by the police and it believed counter-terrorism police know his idenity.
“Based on what we know, counter-terrorism police have declared this a terrorist incident,” he says at a press conference outside Scotland Yard in London.
There have been two additional arrests, he says.
Taylor says an attack on the Jewish community on Yom Kippur is “devastating” and says the police are “mobilising fast” to reassure the Jewish community across the country.
Updated
A distinctive blue and white helicopter has been seen flying over Crumpsall in Manchester today.
It has been identified as an AS365N3 Dauphin used by the SAS Blue Thunder rapid reaction counter terror unit, based at Credenhill, Herefordshire.
Investigators say there is no sign of an immediate ongoing threat to the public, so the presence of the airborne commandos is likely to be simply precautionary.
Aldworth also outlined what the police’s priorities will regarding the attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, he said that there will be three main priorities for the police, the first being to “manage” what has happened and is happening at the scene of the incident.
The second will be to investigate their own use of lethal force, which he said is “always taken very seriously”.
Thirdly, they will be trying to work out whether the suspect was working alone or as part of a wider network, and whether there is “any other enduring threat across the UK”.
A former national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, Nick Aldworth, has said he is “not surprised” about the attack at the synagogue on Yom Kippur, because holy days “bring an additional element of concern”.
He told BBC Radio 4:
I’m not surprised that it’s happened. Yesterday, when I was driving home, there was a feature on Radio 4, which mentioned that today was Yom Kippur - I’d forgotten. My immediate thought was ‘oh, gosh, I hope nothing awful happens’.
And the reason I say that is because, for years, we’ve recognised that high holy days bring an additional element of concern to the Jewish community and to those of us who have been tasked with protecting those communities.
And certainly in London I used to be responsible for a massive operation, probably the second biggest operation to New Year’s or Notting Hill Carnival, to actually protect those communities across the high holy day period.
So I know the same is reflected in Manchester, which may well account for why there’s been such a quick response up there today. But no, I’m not surprised.
He added that, while the UK’s threat level is currently at “substantial”, meaning an attack is likely, in fact “we often see sectors of our communities being at higher threat levels, and quite often the Jewish community sits at a higher threat level than substantial”.
Party leaders condemn attack on Manchester Synagogue on Yom Kippur. Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, Ed Davey and Nigel Farage express sympathy.
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.”
The message was signed “W & C”.
Updated
Attack likely to be terrorist in motive, officials police
Counter-terrorism officials now believe the attack on a Manchester synagogue was likely to be terrorist in motive.
Updated
Police have carried out a controlled explosion of the suspect’s car.
A police source confirmed that other arrests had taken place - but could not say how many.
More policing activity is ongoing in the area, they said.
Updated
The prime minister has arrived back in the UK to chair a Cobra meeting following the attack in Greater Manchester.
Keir Starmer landed back in the UK at around 2.30pm, and will return to Downing Street before chairing the meeting. He had been attending a European summit in Denmark when the incident occurred.
The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Dr David Walker, has said it is important not to allow rhetoric “get ahead of our humanity” as he responded to the attack at a synagogue in his diocese.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World At One, he said: “It’s really important that we recognise the power of our words, and that we that we don’t allow our rhetoric to get ahead of our humanity.”
Asked whether he thinks that has been happening in political discussions lately, he said: “I think it’s been happening. It’s not a phenomenon restricted to United Kingdom, I think it’s across the world.
“The fact that it was such a stark contrast when the wife of a man murdered in the USA a couple of weeks ago actually came out and said hate is not the answer, love is the answer, even to the extent that she would forgive the perpetrator...
“I mean, that was a remarkable statement, but it was remarkable partly because it contrasts so much with the rhetoric that we that we’re getting in the USA and elsewhere: a rising tide of, often political leaders or aspiring political leaders for whom division is a useful tool to play.
“And I hope that this event just makes it more clear than ever that that is not the way for a mature society to go.”
He said that he hopes the attack on the synagogue will “cause us all to take careful stock of who we are and what we are and what sort of society we want to be, and that short-term political gain is no excuse for long-term damage to the fabric of our communities”.
Updated
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “We can confirm three people have died, including the offender, who was shot by GMP Firearms officers.”
The statement said: “In response to today’s major incident in Crumpsall, a loud noise was heard at the scene as specialist resources gained entry to the suspect’s vehicle as a precaution.
“There is no risk to the public and ongoing activity in relation to this major incident can be expected as we continue our enquiries.
“People are urged to avoid the area and speak to our officers if they have any concerns. We have officers deployed across key sites in the local area.
“We can confirm three people have died, including the offender, who was shot by GMP Firearms officers.
“If you are worried about family or friends who may be involved in today’s incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, you can call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 056 0154 or complete the online form here: Public Portal”
Suspect in the attack is dead, police confirm
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that the suspect in the Manchester synagogue attack is dead after being shot by armed officers.
Updated
The prime minister will chair a meeting of the emergency COBR (Cobra) committee in the next couple of hours, the BBC reports.
BBC political editor Chris Mason said home secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to join the meeting, alongside Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and senior police officers.
“The scale and severity of the attack this morning became apparent very quickly, given the speed of the PM’s decision to immediately return from the meeting of the European Political Community in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen.
“I’m told Keir Starmer was briefed on events in Manchester and has since said he spoke to Burnham and to Mark Gardiner of the Community Security Trust, which works to protect the Jewish community,” he wrote on the BBC website.
Updated
A man who lives on White House Avenue close to the synagogue said he saw two men in handcuffs being led away by police.
The man, who did not want to be identified, told the PA news agency: “They’ve arrested two people on our road.”
He said he did not know the men, or which house they were linked to.
“They’ve closed the road and there’s a police helicopter just over us. There were six or seven police cars with armed police,” he added.
He said White House Avenue is a no-through road and is usually “very quiet”.
Updated
The co-chairman of the British Muslim Network Imam Qari Asim said he was “horrified” by an attack which was “utterly abhorrent and has no place in our society”.
He said:
My thoughts are with the victims, their families and British Jewish community, who are understandably shaken and hurt.
This act of violence is utterly abhorrent and has no place in our society. Places of worship must always be sanctuaries of peace and safety - not scenes of fear and hatred.
We cannot ignore the growing tide of religious hatred in our country. Whether it is Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of bigotry, we must confront it together - with unity and courage, not silence. As a British Muslim leader, let me be clear - antisemitism in all its forms is totally unacceptable.
The bloodshed and violence in the Middle East - which is excruciatingly painful to witness for all of us - must not be allowed to poison our streets in Britain. We must never let pain abroad be used to justify hatred and violence against anyone at home. British Jews, British Muslims and all communities must be able to live together without violence, intimidation and the fear of being targeted because of their faith.
Together, we must reject hatred, resist division and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, human dignity and co-existence. We ask all communities to remain vigilant and supportive, in particular around places of worship. This is a moment for all communities to come together and build a future rooted in respect, understanding and shared values.
A bomb disposal unit was sent to the scene after 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.
Labour MP Graham Stringer has said there is a Jewish school with “heavy security” near the synagogue that has been attacked in Manchester.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s World at One, the Blackley and Middleton South MP said he thinks it is “depressing” and “appalling” that it is felt those children are under such a threat that security has to be paid for at their school.
He added that despite an increase in attacks on Jewish people, that “shouldn’t distort the fact that actually the vast majority of people in the Jewish community, the Muslim community, other communities, there is a real level of tolerance and a determination to get along with each other”.
He insisted there is a “determination between the communities to not let those extremist, evil people wind things up”.
Stringer also said he is “particularly upset” by an attack on the synagogue, which is in his constituency, because he knows some of the congregation “by first name”.
Police move bystanders outside the synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, as the suspect lies on ground.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has said he is “horrified and appalled” by the synagogue attack today.
In a post on X, he said:
Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.
Police appear to be searching a residential property around 500 metres from the synagogue that was attacked this morning.
Officers have cordoned off White House Avenue where a car is police vehicle is parked outside two semi-detached houses, with a police van at the rear end of the cul-de-sac. Two officers are patrolling the small street.
Police have not said whether this activity is linked to the attack but many roads nearby have been blocked off. More police have also now arrived at the scene on blue lights.
Police said on Thursday it had deployed additional officers around synagogues and Jewish community sites in London.
London’s Metropolitan Police said there was no indication of an increased threat to the capital but had taken precautionary measures.
“While there is nothing to suggest an increased threat to London, we have deployed additional resources to the areas around synagogues, other Jewish community venues and in those boroughs with significant Jewish populations,” it said in a post on X.
A loud controlled explosion has just been heard at the police cordon in Crumpsall, BBC News has reported.
The bomb disposal unit are at the scene, with armed forces pictured operating a bomb disposal robot earlier today.
A woman who lives opposite the synagogue said she heard four loud noises at around 9.30am before the area was teeming with armed police, ambulances and fire engines.
Fran Barrie, 75, said:
At about half 9 I heard this big bang and that’s when it al happened. There was about four loud noises. It might have been the police shooting at the guy but about 15 minutes later there was armed police, fire engines, everything.
Barrie and her friend Joyce Goldstone, 78, said they were told by police they had to go to the back of their building because of their large glass windows at the front.
Shortly after, police returned and told them to evacuate but did not say why.
As they were led out of the cordon, they saw the army bomb disposal unit and a bomb disposal robot. Police later moved the cordon further back down the road.
“I’m shaken up,” said Goldstone. “We’ve never had any animosity here. Whenever there was riots all over the police there was nothing like that here. I was born Catholic and my husband is Jewish - we all have the same 10 commandments so we can’t we all get along”.
Barrie added:
You don’t do this in a civilised society and it’s not helping any cause.
Updated
First image of Manchester synagogue attacker appears to show white objects strapped to his waist
This is the first image to emerge of the man believed to be behind the fatal synagogue attack in Crumpsall, north Manchester, earlier today.
The man appears to have a bald head, beard, is wearing dark clothes and has white objects strapped around his waist – police and armed forces are currently working to establish if the device is “viable”.
The photograph was taken on the western side of the Heaton Park synagogue, according to BBC Verify. The image was first circulated on social media this morning.
In a statement, Mike Peake, chair of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, praised the bravery of officers.
He said:
First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific events this morning and we wish well to those still injured.
The bravery of our colleagues involved in this incident - running towards extreme danger and dealing with an extreme threat - is to be commended.
We can rightly be proud of our emergency services today. They are the best of the best in the most tragic of circumstances.
Greater Manchester Police Federation are offering all colleagues involved our full support.
The British Muslim Trust, the government’s new Islamophobia monitoring partner, has condemned the Manchester synagogue attack as “utterly abhorrent” and said it stands with the Jewish community.
British Muslim Trust CEO 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. The British Muslim Trust stands with all victims of hate, and in particular today with the Jewish community, the people of Manchester and the Community Security Trust.
We utterly condemn this disgraceful attack and offer our support to those left to pick up the pieces. Finally, in worrying times like these we ask Muslims and all communities to look out for each other and remain vigilant. We know there are some who will seek to exploit this violence to deepen the division they seek - we must not let them.
The leader of Manchester City Council has said Manchester “stands with our Jewish community at this darkest of moments”.
In a statement, councillor Bev Craig said:
We are all horrified by this shocking and reprehensible attack on members of Manchester’s Jewish community, on their holiest day.
Our thoughts are with those who have been killed and seriously injured, their loved ones and with everyone who has been affected by this awful incident.
We have been supporting our local community throughout the morning and offer our full support and love.
We will be working with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and our local communities in the hours ahead to offer support and reassurance.
Manchester stands with our Jewish community at this darkest of moments and will come together as a city.
Yom Kippur, or the ‘Day of Atonement’, is the most sacred and solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
Many Jews attend the synagogue where they pray throughout the day. The day’s main observances consist of full fasting, asceticism and extended prayer services.
It is one of the two High Holy Days, or Days of Awe, alongside Rosh Hashanah, which falls nine days previously.
It is a day about people repenting, putting things right with God through prayer and sacrifice. Yom Kippur is a day to reflect on the past year and ask God’s forgiveness for any sins.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said of today’s attack: “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.”
NHS Greater Manchester is advising people to only attend accident and emergency (A&E) departments if it is “urgent or life-threatening”.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Manchester said:
We are aware of the incident currently unfolding in Crumpsall and are actively supporting the multi-agency response led by Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services.
Our priority is to ensure the safety and care of patients and staff across the region, and we are working closely with partners to manage any impact on local hospitals and emergency departments.
We urge the public to only attend accident and emergency (A&E) departments if your condition is urgent or life-threatening. This will help us prioritise care for those most in need and ensure emergency teams can respond effectively to this incident.
If you are unsure about which service to use, please contact NHS 111 online or by phone for guidance.
Here are some more pictures from the scene this morning:
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.
A number of hospitals in Greater Manchester were placed in “lockdown” following the incident at the synagogue in Crumpsall, it has been reported.
An internal note shared by the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) NHS Foundation Trust and seen by the Manchester Evening News (MEN) 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.
However, the MEN reported at 12.40pm that the lockdown has since been lifted.
Images are now starting to emerge of members of north Manchester’s Jewish community gathering outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Middleton Road, Crumpsall.
Rabbi Jonathan Romain, emeritus rabbi of Maidenhead Synagogue, told the PA news agency he felt “appalled” by the attack in Manchester.
He said:
This is every Rabbi’s or every Jewish person’s worst nightmare.
Not only is this a sacred day, the most sacred in the Jewish calendar, but it’s also a time of mass gathering, and the time when the Jewish community, however religious or irreligious, gathers together.
He said it appears tensions over the war in Gaza had “spilled over” to the UK, despite efforts to stop that happening.
He told PA:
The real tragedy is, of course that the war in Gaza, which is tragic in itself, has sort of spilled over into the United Kingdom.
For the last two years, we were desperately trying to make sure that whatever was going on in the Middle East was not imported here. This has shown that our worst fears have been realised.
This will obviously heighten the fears that many Jews have had, that political violence would spill over into religious hatred.
Counter-terror police are searching houses on White House Avenue, near to the synagogue in Crumpsall, the Manchester Evening News (MEN) has reported.
Meanwhile, witnesses are said to have seen a car driving erratically before a man got out and started attacking people with a knife. When it became clear what was happening, members of the congregation are said to have blockaded the doors to the synagogue.
Members of the community are handing out blankets to a number of people who rushed to the scene when they heard what was happening. As more details have emerged, many said they are too upset to speak.
Chava Lewin – who describes herself as a religious Jew and lives next door to the synagogue – told the MEN:
I was outside and heard a banging sound and I thought it might be a firework. My husband went outside and then ran back inside and said, ‘there’s been a terrorist attack.’
I spoke to someone who said she was driving and saw a car driving erratically and it crashed into the gates [of the synagogue].
She thought maybe he had a heart attack. The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue. He was in the courtyard.
Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock.
Updated
UK's terrorism threat level under review following synagogue attack
The UK’s terrorism threat level is being reviewed in the aftermath of the suspected terrorist attack in Manchester.
The current threat level is substantial, the third highest of five levels. The threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).
A source said JTAC would be waiting for emerging details of the fatal attack, such as whether the suspect acted alone, was directed, and how the attacker was radicalised.
Here is a photo of the bomb disposal robot arriving at the scene, as members of the armed forces seek to establish whether the attacker has a “viable” device on their person.
Police have issued a statement aimed at reassuring Greater Manchester’s Jewish community, while urging people not to share images or videos on social media.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said:
We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.
We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.
We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.
We will continue to provide updates as we can, but I would ask anyone who believes they may have a loved one involved in today’s incident, please use the Casualty Bureau information in the first instance.
I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today’s incident, refrains from circulating them on social media – please do share directly with GMP through www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk.”
The body of the suspect remains at the scene as police try and establish whether he was wearing a viable explosive device, it is understood.
While officers believe the attack was executed alone - using a car, knife or machete, and potentially a bomb - one line of inquiry will explore whether the suspect was helped in the planning.
The attack, taking place at Yom Kippur and timed as members of the community were on their way in to morning worship, does not appear to be random to investigators.
The heightened sense of threat in the area, approaching the 7 October anniversary, and the close collaboration between the community, security organisations and the police, meant firearms officers were on the scene within minutes.
The Israeli embassy condemned the incident in Greater Manchester, describing it as “abhorrent and deeply distressing”.
A statement released by the embassy said:
The embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom condemn the attack carried out today on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.
That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.
The embassy is in close contact with Manchester Jewish community, British authorities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to monitor developments, and ensure that the necessary support is provided.
We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.
The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.
King Charles said 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”.
He said:
My wife and I have been 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.
Police also confirmed that a large number of people worshipping at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at the time of the incident were held inside “while the immediate area was made safe but have since been evacuated”.
The attacker did not make it inside the building.
Members of the Jewish community at one end of the police cordon were suddenly moved back without explanation around half an hour ago, as speculation spread locally that the attacker was wearing a suspected explosive device.
That detail has now been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police, which has said the bomb disposal unit are assessing a contraption on the attacker, who is believed to be dead and is still at the scene.
Two people have died and attacker also shot in synagogue attack, police confirm
Two people have died after a suspected terror attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall by a man who was shot dead by police, Greater Manchester Police said.
The man believed to be the attacker was shot by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers and is also believed to be dead.
However, police said it cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues related to “suspicious items on his person”. The bomb disposal unit has been called and is at the scene.
Three other people remain in a serious condition, police said in a statement.
Updated
The nature of the target and attack led to increases in security away from Manchester.
In London, home to a significant part of Britain’s Jewish community, the Metropolitan police has increased patrols around Jewish religious and cultural sites, a source said, as a precaution.
A number of armed officers that appear to be counter-terror police have been seen walking towards the synagogue.
Although the immediate response to the incident appears to be over, it remains an active emergency scene with a lot of activity.
MP for Blackley and Middleton South Graham Stringer said “we have to make sure these evil people do not damage our community” after the incident at a synagogue in his constituency.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Stringer said:
The area … is a very large Jewish community next to a very large Muslim community, and by and large community relations are excellent between all the different ethnic groups and religious groups, but there are always extreme people who want to damage those relationships and want to, in this case, damage Jews and the Jewish community.
He reflected on the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 and said:
Everybody got together because it’s not enough just to say we’re tolerant and we want better relations.
We have to work at it and we have to make sure these evil people do not damage our community, which is comprised of many different kinds of religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds.
Stringer added:
The relationships between the Jewish community and the Greater Manchester Police are very good and they work at it. But the sad thing is, if you’ve got an evil, violent person with a car and a knife, it is very difficult to ensure that everybody is secure in that situation.
Here is a graphic, which shows the location of this morning’s attack:
Police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, says Starmer
Keir Starmer has said “additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country”.
Speaking before he flew back from Copenhagen to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on the incident, the prime minister said:
The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected.
I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.
I’ve spoken to Mark Gardner of the CST [Community Security Trust], and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester.
I want to thank the emergency services for the speed of their response.
Updated
Armed police officers wearing face coverings have just driven out of the police cordon on blue lights.
A police helicopter remains overhead, while two other blue unmarked helicopters have just landed behind the synagogue.
Every synagogue in Greater Manchester has boosted security and several Greater Manchester hospitals - Salford Royal Hospital, Fairfield General and the Royal Oldham Hospital - have gone into lockdown, following reports that the suspect was carrying a bomb.
However members of the local Jewish community have continued to gather at the scene.
The shadow home secretary Chris Philp said he was “appalled” by the attack.
In a statement, the Conservative shadow minister said:
This is a sickening attack on people at a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester - on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the whole Jewish community here in the UK.
I know everyone will want to support the emergency services in their work.
I am appalled not only by this brutal attack, but also by the evil that lies behind it.
Kemi Badenoch has described the incident in Greater Manchester as a “vile and disgusting attack”.
The Conservative leader told BBC Radio Bristol:
It does look like an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day, Yom Kippur.
I think it is a vile and disgusting attack. I know that many Jewish people in our country feel that they’re no longer safe and my heart goes out to the people who have been hurt by this, and everyone who’s been affected.
She added:
I want to say to Jewish people all around our country that you belong here. Britain is a country which will look after you.
We need to make sure that the rise in antisemitism that we’re seeing in our country is quelled completely.
The reported stabbings come 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.
Dave Rich, of the Community Security Trust (CST) - a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, said the day is similar to Christmas Day for Christians, but is a day of solemnity and fasting rather than celebration.
He 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.
Here are some more pictures coming out of the scene in Crumpsall, north Manchester, this morning:
A bomb disposal unit is at the scene and it is understood that hospitals in the area have heightened security measures.
Meanwhile, two air ambulances have just left the scene behind the synagogue.
Many distressed relatives and friends of those inside the building are gathering at the police cordon, anxious for news about those injured.
In a statement posted on X, home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “horrified” by the incident and is being updated by police.
She said:
I am horrified by the news of an attack at a synagogue in Manchester today, on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
My first thoughts are with the victims, our brave police and emergency services.
I am being kept updated by Greater Manchester Police. I urge people to follow the advice of the emergency services.
A woman who lives nearby said she has family and friends and the synagogue and rushed out as soon as she heard the police helicopter.
“I’m absolutely distraught,” said Olivia Gold, 57. “It’s Jewish new year as well and this is the holiest day in the calendar - maybe that’s why [the attack happened]. It would’ve been very busy, mainly with the men doing the service. It’s a big shul.”
She added:
This will be devastating for a long time. I just wish they would leave us alone. We’re a quiet community. It’s just horrendous. We don’t harm anybody, we don’t force our views on anybody.
Starmer to return home from Denmark and says he is 'appalled' by attack
Prime minister Keir Starmer will fly home early from a meeting of European leaders to chair a Cobra meeting following the attack at a synagogue in Greater Manchester.
Starmer said he was appalled by the attack, adding that the fact it had taken place on the holy day of Yom Kippur makes it “all the more horrific”.
He 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.
Updated
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said one victim appeared to be a security guard who had been attacked with a knife.
He said: “It would seem that some of the security used by our colleagues in the Jewish community has really played a role here in preventing it being a worse situation.”
The area around the synagogue in Crumpsall, north of Manchester, has been swamped by dozens of police vehicles, along with fire and ambulance crews, while the force helicopter hovers overhead.
Streets surrounding the synagogue has been cordoned off with more police cars and vans, sirens blaring, racing down neighbouring roads, PA reports.
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.
Video shared on social media appeared to show police officers pointing guns at someone laying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue.
The armed officers shouted at onlookers to “get back” and “move on”.
The person on the ground is seen starting to get up before there is the sound of a gunshot and they fall to the ground, PA reports.
Another person was shown lying motionless on the ground outside the synagogue gates with blood near their head.
What we know so far
Police have shot a suspect after several people were stabbed and a car was driven at members of the public at the Heaton Park Hebrew congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester Police said.
The force posted on X saying police were called to the synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and one man had been stabbed.
Police said four people have suffered injuries caused by a vehicle and stabbings at a synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester.
A cordon has been set up after the incident, and a major road had been closed while officers attended. Paramedics are at the scene.
Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, said the “immediate danger appears to be over” after reports of a “serious incident”.
Burnham has told BBC Radio Manchester that “it is believed” that the attacker is dead. However, he says this “is not confirmed” yet.
Sources say it is being treated as a potential terrorist incident. Counter-terrorism police and MI5, the security service covering the UK, have joined the investigation. Greater Manchester police say Operation Plato was declared, meaning the violence was treated as a potential marauding terrorist attack.
Updated
The attack was branded an “appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year” by the Community Security Trust (CST).
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.
Burnham: Attacker 'believed' to be dead but says this is 'not confirmed'
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has told BBC Radio Manchester that “it is believed” that the attacker is dead.
However, he says this “is not confirmed” yet.
The mayor said:
It is believed that the offender is deceased, although it’s not confirmed.
So, that’s what I meant in saying that a degree of reassurance can be given that it’s not a developing, an ongoing, incident.
It would appear that it is contained, although, obviously, the scene is very much an active scene.
Updated
A woman whose husband was inside the synagogue said she was “sick” with worry as they have been unable to make contact with him since the attack, which happened shortly after 9.30am.
“I’m sick,” she said at the police cordon where there was a huge number of emergency service personnel and a police helicopter overhead.
“We’re just waiting for news. I’ve not even got dressed yet, I just ran out in my pyjamas.”
The woman, who did not want to be identified, went to the synagogue at about 9.15am to celebrate Yom Kippur, the “holiest day of the year” for Jewish people, she said.
Her son, who also did not want to be named, said: “We don’t know anything. There’s rumours of a car ramming, a stabbing and a gunshot. It’s terrifying. We’re distraught.”
At least two ambulances were at the scene along with two fire engines and a large number of police vehicles, including several unmarked, while a police helicopter flew overhead.
Members of the Jewish community security trust were manning the police cordon.
Attack being treated as potential terrorist incident - sources
Sources say it is being treated as a potential terrorist incident.
Counter-terrorism police and MI5, the security service covering the UK, have joined the investigation.
Greater Manchester police say Operation Plato was declared, meaning the violence was treated as a potential marauding terrorist attack.
Urgent investigations are underway into the attacker and any motive.
Here are some of the first images we are seeing come through from what has been declared a “major incident” in Crumpsall, north Manchester:
Police say suspect shot after four people suffered injuries caused by car and stabbings
Greater Manchester Police said a suspect has been shot and four people have suffered injuries caused by a vehicle and stabbings at a synagogue in Crumpsall, north of the city.
The force said:
Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, and one man had been stabbed.
GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.
Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41am and are tending to members of the public, currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.
Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident.
Updated
Burnham says people should 'avoid the area' but that 'immediate danger is over'
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has told BBC Radio Manchester that is a “serious incident”.
He is advising people to “avoid the area”.
“At the same time, I can give some assurance that the immediate danger appears to be over,” he adds.
He says the incident was dealt with “effectively” by those on site and by Greater Manchester Police.
For context, the incident has taken place at a synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
Paramedics at the scene of major incident in Crumpsall
North West Ambulance Service says it is at the scene of a major incident in Crumpsall, north Manchester, following reports of a stabbing at a synagogue.
A statement said:
Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.
We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.
Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.
Police respond to incident outside synagogue in Manchester
Police have that they were responding to an incident outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police did not provide further details but Sky News said there were reports of a stabbing at a synagogue.
According to the Manchester Evening News, a cordon has been set up following a “serious incident” in north Manchester and a road has been closed while officers manage the situation.
Paramedics are on the scene, the newspaper added.
