Manchester synagogue attack: Two killed and suspect shot ‘dead’ on Yom Kippur

Two people have been killed – and a suspect is believed to have died after being shot by police – following an attack at a synagogue in Manchester on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.

Greater Manchester Police said a security guard was attacked with a knife outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall – and several others were injured after they were attacked and a car was driven at members of the public.

The force later confirmed two people had died – and a third person, believed to be the offender who was shot by firearms officers – was also understood to be deceased.

Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.

Officers were deployed to the “major incident” on Thursday morning – and the force declared “Plato” – the national code-word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.

Video posted on social media appeared to show police officers pointing guns at someone laying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue.

The armed officers shouted at onlookers to “get back” and “move on”.

The person on the ground is seen starting to get up before there is the sound of a gunshot and they fall to the ground.

Another person was shown lying motionless on the ground outside the synagogue gates with blood near their head

“Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender,” a police spokesperson said.

Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41am and treated people for “injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds”.

The spokesperson praised the “quick response” of a witness to the attack which allowed police to take “swift action” to prevent the offender “from entering the synagogue”.

They urged anyone with images or footage of the incident to share them directly with the force.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” and “absolutely shocked” by the attack and is set to fly home early from a meeting of European leaders in Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting.

He added “additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country”.

The King said: “My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”

A white lorry marked “bomb disposal” later arrived at the scene and went behind the police cordon outside the synagogue – where there were also police officers dressed in black fatigues and carrying machine guns.

The streets surrounding the building were also closed with more police cars and vans, sirens baring, racing down neighbouring roads.

North West Ambulance Service said in a statement: “Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.

“We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.”

A Jewish man outside the synagogue said: “It is the holiest day of the year and we get this. There is no place for Jews in Britain anymore. It’s over.”

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, said it was an “appalling attack”.

Dave Rich, of the CST, added: “Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It’s a very solemn day and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day.

“There’s always a significant security operation in place between police and CST across the Jewish community on all major Jewish festivals.”

In terms of importance in the religious year, he said it is similar to Christmas Day for Christians, but is a day of solemnity and fasting rather than celebration.

Sky News’ North of England correspondent Katie Barnfield said she had spoken to some members of the Jewish community in Crumpsall who told her they were “shocked” and “terrified” by what had happened at the synagogue.

“One man told me several of his friends and family were still inside – though he knows they are safe,” she said.

“Another said this is an extremely tolerant community, where people of many faiths including Jews and Muslims have lived side by side for years, and he is stunned by what has taken place.”

The Israeli embassy condemned the incident, describing it as “abhorrent and deeply distressing”.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the “immediate danger appears to be over” after reports of a “serious incident” in Crumpsall, north of the city.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: “It is a serious incident. I can give some reassurance immediately to people that that immediate danger appears to be over and Greater Manchester Police have dealt with it very quickly.”

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