POLICE have shot a suspect after a man was stabbed and a car was driven at members of the public in Manchester.
The incident occurred at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester Police said.
Police said it had “declared Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.
Officers have said a man – who is believed to be the offender – was shot by firearms officers.
In a statement, the force said: “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.
“(There are) 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.”
A white lorry marked “bomb disposal” later arrived at the scene, and went behind the cordon outside the synagogue.
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…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2025
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.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has flown home early from a meeting of European leaders to chair a Cobra meeting following the attack.
In a statement on X 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.”
Speaking in Denmark before returning, Starmer said "additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country”.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said he was "horrified" by the attack.
He added: "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all Jewish communities. Antisemitism is an evil we must confront and stand resolutely against."
Former first minister Humza Yousaf said: "What an awful attack on the Jewish community. I
"It would be horrifying on any given day, but made worse that it was carried out on the holy day of Yom Kippur. I'm praying for the families of those affected, and the wider Jewish community who will be rocked by this dreadful attack."
Scotland's External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson added: "As MSP for Edinburgh's Hebrew Congregation, I know how shocked the Jewish community here is by the appalling synagogue attack in Manchester. The attack on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more appalling."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said we must "stand against antisemitism and all forms of prejudice" as he described the attack as "horrific".
The area around the synagogue was swamped by dozens of police vehicles, along with fire and ambulance crews, while the force helicopter hovered over-head shortly after the incident.
The surrounding streets were cordoned off with more police cars and vans, sirens blaring, racing down neighbouring roads.
Police officers dressed in black combat fatigues and carrying machine guns could also be seen inside the cordon outside the synagogue.
