Two worshippers killed in attack on Manchester synagogue
At least two people have been killed and four others wounded in an attack on a synagogue in the northern English city of Manchester on Thursday.
An attacker, wearing what appeared to be a bomb vest, drove a car into a crowd and started stabbing people inside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area of the city, just north of the city centre, at around 9.30am.
Both of those killed in the attack have been confirmed to be members of the Jewish community by the police.
"Firearms officers were deployed at 9.34am as police continued to receive further reports from members of the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife," the Greater Manchester Police said.
"Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender."
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Police say they know the identity of the attacker, who was shot dead at the scene, but are not releasing it yet for security reasons.
Officials at Scotland Yard, the UK's police headquarters, have said that they are investigating the attack as a "terrorist incident" and said that two people have been arrested in connection with the attack.
'Absolutely shocking'
Footage shared on social media showed two armed police officers in a standoff with the suspected attacker, who was writhing on the ground.
A member of the public is heard warning the police that the man has a bomb and the suspect is seen reaching for something before being shot.
Bomb dispoals squads later conducted a controlled explosion in the area but it is not yet known whether the attacker had a viable explosive device.
The attack occurred during Yom Kippur, the holiest religious event in the Jewish calendar, and worshippers had been gathering at the site of the attack ahead of religious services.
According to witnesses, the attacker did not make it inside the facility, as he was stopped by police before he could do so.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would cut short a meeting in Copenhagen to return to London in the wake of the attack.
"The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected," Starmer said.
"I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."
Responding to the attack, the Manchester Council of Mosques said it was "shocked and saddened" by the attack on the synagogue.
"Manchester has always been a city where people of all faiths and backgrounds live side by side. Any attempt to divide us through violence or hatred will fail - we remain united in our commitment to peace and mutual respect." A statement issued by the organisation said.
This morning's attack is absolutely shocking.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2025
I’m on my way back to London to chair an emergency meeting, and additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country.
We will do everything we can to keep our Jewish community safe. pic.twitter.com/bNUfGbWwfq
"We urge everyone to remain calm, allow the police to carry out their investigations, and to avoid speculation. It is vital at moments like these that we stand together as one Manchester - united against hatred and committed to peace, justice, and respect for all." It continued.
Condolences also came in from King Charles III, who 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."
Northern Manchester is home to a large Jewish community, with populations recorded in the area as far back as the mid-18th century.
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