Manchester synagogue attack: Everything we know so far | UK | News

Greater Manchester Police responded to reports of a stabbing and vehicle collision outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, north Manchester, at approximately 9.30am. The incident occurred during Yom Kippur services, with a man in his 30s apparently driving a car into a group of worshippers before exiting the vehicle and stabbing several people.

Four individuals were injured, including three with serious stab wounds who required hospital treatment at North Manchester General Hospital. Armed officers arrived at the scene and shot the suspect once, detaining him before he was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A major incident was declared, with Middleton Road cordoned off to allow forensic examinations and no further threat reported to the public.

The man rammed a car into worshippers outside the synagogue before exiting the vehicle and carrying out multiple stabbings, injuring four people.

The attack began shortly after 9.20am, targeting those attending morning Yom Kippur services, including a security guard who tried to intervene.

Witnesses reported hearing the car’s engine revving before it mounted the pavement, followed by screams as the assailant lunged with a knife.

Counter-terrorism officers have joined the investigation, treating it as an isolated incident but probing potential hate crime links amid rising UK antisemitism. No group has claimed responsibility, and police have urged the public not to speculate.

Armed officers arrived within minutes and confronted the suspect, who was still wielding the knife, discharging firearms to neutralise him.

The man, in his 30s, was shot at the scene and detained before being rushed to hospital, where he is believed to have died.

A major incident was declared by both police and the North West Ambulance Service, with Middleton Road fully cordoned off for forensic teams to examine the damaged vehicle and evidence.

No other suspects are being sought, and authorities confirmed the area is safe.

Four people were injured in the combined ramming and stabbing attack, with three suffering serious wounds requiring hospital treatment.

The victims, including a security guard, were attended to by paramedics on site before being transported to North Manchester General Hospital.

Their conditions remain serious but stable, and families have been notified, with support from Jewish community organisations.

The fourth victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Early social media images show a wide police cordon stretching along Middleton Road, with blue-and-white tape fluttering under grey skies.

Ambulances cluster near the synagogue’s brick entrance, paramedics in high-vis gear loading stretchers amid flashing emergency lights, while tactical officers in body armour stand guard.

The assailant’s crumpled car sat forensically taped off on the pavement, surrounded by scattered leaves and abandoned items from the service.

Distraught onlookers, some in prayer shawls, gathered behind barriers, faces pale with shock.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the attack as a “serious incident” in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester.

He said: “My heart goes out to those affected and the wider Jewish community on this day of all days,” adding that it had been “dealt with effectively” by police and on-site responders.

Mr Burnham urged residents to “avoid the area” to allow emergency services to work, reassuring: “The immediate danger appears to be over.”

He also noted it is believed the offender is dead.