A terror attack outside a synagogue in Manchester left two Jewish worshippers dead and four others badly injured on Thursday morning. The community had gathered to mark Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The suspect drove a car into people walking on the street before attacking them with a knife. Armed police shot and killed him within minutes of the first emergency call.
Greater Manchester Police got a call at 9:31 am about the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle being driven by members of the public. The attacker then got out of his car and began attacking people with a knife. He was wearing a vest that looked like it had an explosive device, though police later found it was not a real threat.
A delivery driver named Gareth saw the attack happen and told BBC Radio Manchester what he witnessed. “We thought we could see a car that had crashed, so we just thought it was a normal collision, but when we got a bit closer we saw a guy bleeding out on the floor,” he said. As they got closer, someone shouted that the attacker was in the school or synagogue. “The guy had a knife and he was just stabbing the window, trying to get in, and within seconds the police arrived,” Gareth said. Police warned the suspect several times before opening fire. When the man tried to get back up after being shot, officers fired again.
Police arrive and stop attacker within minutes
The attack happened just after morning prayers had started at 9:00 am. A large number of worshippers had come to the synagogue for Yom Kippur services. Armed officers got to the scene at 9:34 am after getting reports that a security guard had been attacked with a knife. At 9:38 am, just seven minutes after the first call, armed officers shot and killed the suspected attacker. Ambulance crews showed up three minutes later to help victims who had been hurt by both the vehicle and stab wounds.
Another witness named Shah lives behind the synagogue. He said he saw the vehicle “just sort of rushing past and driving straight for the members of the public.” He said the man jumped out and started “running towards the people” before going on what he called “a bit of a rampage” with the knife. The attack comes amid rising concerns about antisemitism in communities around the world. Local resident Olivia Gold has friends who go to the synagogue. She told reporters the area is normally a quiet community. “It’s just horrendous. We’re a quiet community, just leave us alone,” she said. She also praised how quickly the police responded, calling it “absolutely brilliant.”
People inside the synagogue praised the rabbi and security staff for acting fast. They locked the doors and stopped the attacker from getting into the building. Worshippers stayed safely inside while police made the area safe. They were let out later once everything was secure. A bomb disposal team came to check the suspect’s body and vehicle because of worries about explosive devices. Video footage shared on social media showed armed police officers pointing guns at a person on the ground. They kept ordering him to stay down. When the person tried to stand up, a gunshot was heard and he fell back to the ground.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut his visit to Denmark short and came back home. He spoke out strongly against the attack. “A vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values,” Starmer said. He said more police would be sent to synagogues across the country. The attack happened during a time of growing tension following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which have led to bigger security worries for Jewish communities around the world. The Metropolitan Police’s counter terrorism unit has taken over the case. They said two other people have been arrested in connection with the attack, but officials have not yet told the public who the suspect was.
Published: Oct 3, 2025 11:24 am