MANCHESTER, UK — A major incident was declared this morning after a violent attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, leaving two people dead and four others injured during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), emergency calls came in shortly after 9 a.m. reporting multiple stabbings and a vehicle-related assault outside the synagogue. Armed officers responded within minutes and confronted the suspect.
Casualties and Response
- Two people were confirmed dead at the scene.
- Four victims sustained injuries, including stab wounds and injuries from a vehicle. Among them was a security guard assigned to the synagogue.
- The suspect was engaged by armed police and was shot during the confrontation. GMP said the individual is “believed to be deceased,” though his condition has not been formally confirmed due to the presence of suspicious items on his person.
A bomb disposal team was deployed to examine the suspect and secure the area, leading to temporary evacuations nearby.
Police Statement
Chief Constable Stephen Watson described the incident as “a shocking act of violence against members of our community at prayer on their most sacred day.” He added that public safety remains the top priority while counterterrorism officers assist in the investigation.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity, and it remains unclear whether the attack is being treated as terrorism-related.
Community Reaction
The attack has left Manchester’s Jewish community reeling. Rabbi Moshe Levy of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation said:
“On Yom Kippur, a day of reflection and peace, our community has been struck by senseless violence. We mourn the lives lost and pray for those injured.”
Community members gathered outside the synagogue in shock, while interfaith leaders across Manchester condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.
Victims Receiving Care
North West Ambulance Service confirmed that the injured were treated on-site before being transported to local hospitals. No updates on their conditions have been released.
Security Heightened Nationwide
Following the attack, the Home Office announced increased security at synagogues and places of worship across the UK. Residents in Manchester have been urged to remain vigilant and follow police guidance as investigations continue.
Looking Ahead
The violence has cast a shadow over Manchester on one of the holiest days of the year for Jewish communities. With two lives lost, four people injured, and an investigation still unfolding, questions remain about the motive behind the attack and the threat posed by the suspicious items discovered on the suspect.
For now, Manchester grieves — and waits for answers.