• Source:JND
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Two people have been confirmed dead and three others injured following a violent attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, on Thursday, October 2. Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident after a car was driven towards members of the public and a man began stabbing bystanders. Firearms officers subsequently shot the suspected attacker at the scene.

Police say they received the first emergency call at 09:31 BST from a witness reporting that a car had rammed into people outside the synagogue and that a stabbing had occurred. Within minutes, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) declared a major incident and activated Operation Plato, the emergency services protocol used in response to marauding terrorist-style attacks.

At 09:38, just seven minutes after the first alert, firearms officers opened fire on a man believed to be the assailant. Paramedics arrived at 09:41 and treated four injured people at the scene, with injuries caused by both stab wounds and the vehicle impact. The North West Ambulance Service confirmed it had dispatched multiple resources and was working closely with police and fire services under major incident protocols.

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GMP confirmed in a statement: “One man has been shot, believed to be the offender. Paramedics are tending to 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 police continue to deal with the incident.”

Starmer Condemns 'Horrific' Synagogue Attack

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack in a statement, calling it “horrific.” 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.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester that while it was “believed” the suspect was dead, this had not yet been formally confirmed. He added: “The immediate danger appears to be over.”

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The attack came as Jewish communities across the UK marked Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the religious calendar. Security has been heightened at other synagogues across Manchester as a precaution.