Manchester synagogue attack eyewitnesses have revealed the terrifying reason why armed police shot the man believed to have been behind the tragedy. A delivery driver named only as Gareth said he heard somebody shout “he’s in the school or the synagogue” before looking over to see the guy stabbing a window with a knife, trying to get into the building.
Gareth added that “within seconds” the police arrived. He said: “They gave him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen, so they opened fire. He went down on the floor and then he started getting back up and then they shot him again.”
The eyewitness told the BBC he saw two people lying on the ground around a car which had crashed outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Middleton Road, Crumpsall, on Thursday morning.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said at midday that two members of the public died in the attack. A spokesperson for the force said: “A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP firearms officers and is also believed to be deceased.”
They said his death could not currently be confirmed due to safety issues, citing “suspicious items on his person”. The spokesperson added: “The bomb disposal unit has been called and is now at the scene. Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.”
Resident Olivia Gold said she had friends who attend the synagogue. She said: “It would have been very, very busy. I live around the corner, but I’ve walked around to give support. It’s now just police doing what they do.
“I came out to see what was happening because I heard three helicopters. It’s just horrendous. We’re a quiet community, just leave us alone. We don’t want any of this.”
Ms Gold added: “I think the response by the police has been absolutely brilliant. They got here really, really quickly.”
Chava Lewin, who described herself as a religious Jew, lives next door to the synagogue. She said: “I was outside and heard a banging sound, and I thought it might be a firework.
“My husband went outside and then ran back inside and said, ‘There’s been a terrorist attack.’ I spoke to someone who said she was driving and saw a car driving erratically, and it crashed into the gates (of the synagogue).
“She thought maybe he had a heart attack. The second he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue. He was in the courtyard. Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock.”
Another man said prayers had started when the attack happened, but Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading the service, remained calm, and he and others led the congregation to safety. He added: “They are true heroes.”
King Charles said in a statement: “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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “absolutely shocked” by the attack in Manchester and “additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country”.
Speaking before he flew back from Copenhagen to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on the incident, he said: “The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected.
“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.
“I’ve spoken to Mark Gardner of the CST [Community Security Trust], and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester. I want to thank the emergency services for the speed of their response.”
Local Labour MP Graham Stringer said he knew Mancunians would come together in the aftermath of the attack. He said: “It’s a dreadful attack designed to damage the Jewish community and damage inter-faith and inter-community relationships.
“I know that Mancunians will come together to make sure that villains like this do not damage our very tolerant city. I know the synagogue well, and I know the people in the synagogue. I have lived within a stone’s throw of that synagogue for most of my adult life, and I think it’s appalling. I know, like after the Manchester Arena attack, people will come together.”
