A horrific incident unfolded outside a synagogue in Manchester, northwestern England, on Thursday, leaving two people dead and several others injured. The attack, involving both a vehicle ramming and a stabbing, occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, amplifying the sense of shock and sorrow across the community.
Police responded swiftly to reports received at 9:31 a.m., confirming that a suspect was shot just seven minutes later, at 9:38 a.m. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his profound dismay, stating he was “appalled” by the events at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, noting that the timing on Yom Kippur made it “all the more horrific.”
Initial reports indicated that four members of the public sustained injuries from both the vehicle and stab wounds. Three of the injured are currently in serious condition. Authorities later confirmed that a third individual, believed to be the attacker, was also shot and is thought to be dead, though this has not been fully confirmed due to suspicious items found near the person, prompting a bomb disposal unit to be called to the scene.
Image: Emergency personnel at the scene of a stabbing outside a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday. Credit: Peter Byrne/Press Association, via Associated Press
Witness footage, verified by news sources, depicted a tense scene where armed police officers had their rifles aimed at the suspected attacker lying on the ground outside the synagogue. An injured victim was visible nearby. An officer was heard shouting, “He has a bomb, go away,” urging people to move back, just moments before shots were fired when the suspect appeared to move. Police have not confirmed whether the suspect was indeed carrying an explosive device.
The quick actions of a witness who called the police are credited with preventing the attacker from gaining entry to the synagogue, where a large number of people were worshipping for Yom Kippur services. Worshippers were kept inside during the immediate aftermath for their safety and have since been evacuated.
The incident deeply impacted Manchester’s Jewish community. Mayor Andy Burnham conveyed his empathy, acknowledging the “fear that will bring” amidst already rising incidents of antisemitism. He lauded the rapid police response.
In response to the severity of the attack, King Charles III released a statement alongside his wife, expressing deep sadness and shock, especially given the significance of the day for the Jewish community.
Interactive map: An interactive map showing the location of the Manchester synagogue stabbing, highlighting the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
The British government has also taken swift action. Prime Minister Starmer, cutting short a trip to Copenhagen, announced he would chair a meeting of COBRA, a government committee handling national emergencies, later the same day. Additionally, “additional police assets” are being deployed to synagogues across the country to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
Video: Footage of the emergency response near the synagogue following the attack. Credit: Reuters
Britain’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, responsible for national security, stated she was being continuously updated by the police and conveyed her horror at the attack, with her thoughts going out to the victims and emergency services.
Image: Photo of emergency services at the scene. Credit: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters
Image: Britain’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters
Morning prayers, known as Shacharis, typically begin around 9 a.m. at the synagogue, just half an hour before the first police call. This timeline underscores the immediate danger posed to the congregants.
Video: Vertical video footage showing the incident’s aftermath with emergency services present. Credit: Reuters