In a tragic event near a synagogue in Manchester, northwest England, two individuals lost their lives and three others sustained critical injuries after a vehicle was deliberately driven into pedestrians, followed by a stabbing incident, British authorities confirmed on Thursday.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that law enforcement has increased security measures at synagogues nationwide in response to the attack, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish faith.
Details of the Incident
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a car accelerate into pedestrians near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, a suburb on Manchester’s outskirts. They also witnessed a stabbing during the attack.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received the first emergency call at 9:31 a.m. local time (08:31 GMT) from a bystander.
“A major incident was declared by GMP at 9:37 a.m., and police firearms officers discharged their weapons at 9:38 a.m.,” the police confirmed.
Emergency medical teams arrived promptly at 9:41 a.m. (08:41 GMT) to provide urgent care to the victims.
The North West Ambulance Service, part of the National Health Service (NHS), stated that their crews treated several patients onsite, with those critically wounded being rushed to nearby hospitals.
The attack’s timing on Yom Kippur is particularly significant, as this day of atonement draws many Jewish individuals, including those who do not regularly attend synagogue, to gather for prayer and reflection.
Location of the Attack
The violent incident occurred at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, situated in Crumpsall, a northern district of Manchester.
Crumpsall is a residential suburb with a population of approximately 18,000, according to Manchester City Council. It is well-connected to the city center, located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) away, via tram and bus routes.
The Jewish community has been established in Crumpsall since 1935, with the prominent Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue building completed in 1967.
Information About the Victims
Authorities have confirmed that two people died as a result of the attack, while three others remain in serious condition. The identities of those affected have not been disclosed to the public.
Details Regarding the Attacker
Police confirmed that the suspect was shot by officers at the scene but have withheld further personal information.
“One male individual, believed to be the perpetrator, was shot by police,” Greater Manchester Police stated on their social media platform X.
Authorities also noted that the suspect is presumed deceased, though confirmation is pending due to concerns over suspicious items found on his person.
Government Reaction
Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short his participation in a summit with European leaders in Copenhagen to address the crisis.
“Additional police resources are being dispatched to synagogues across the UK to ensure the safety of the Jewish community,” Starmer declared.
He further expressed on X, “The fact that this attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more appalling.”
Labour MP Hamish Falconer, who has visited the synagogue, shared his shock on X, stating, “I am deeply disturbed by this attack at a synagogue I have proudly visited. My thoughts are with all those affected.”
Current Status at the Scene
Greater Manchester Police have urged the public to avoid the vicinity as they continue to manage the aftermath of the attack.
Initially, many worshippers inside the synagogue remained sheltered for their safety but have since been evacuated.
The police declared a “PLATO” status, a term used to indicate an ongoing investigation into a Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA), where assailants move swiftly through a location aiming to inflict maximum harm. This designation does not necessarily confirm the incident as a terrorist act.
Authorities have also launched a Casualty Bureau portal to assist relatives and friends in locating those who were present during the attack. Individuals who were involved but are now safe are encouraged to report their status online.
Background on Anti-Semitic Incidents in the UK
Anti-Semitic acts have been increasingly reported across the United Kingdom in recent years.
The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to protecting British Jews, documented 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in 2024, marking the second-highest annual total on record. Among these, 19 incidents involved damage to synagogues.
The highest number was recorded in 2023, with 4,296 reported cases.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas assault on Israeli military positions and communities on October 7, 2023, there has been a noticeable rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents worldwide.
