What happened outside the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester
Early on the day of Yom Kippur, a violent incident occurred outside the synagogue in Heaton Park, Crumpsall, Manchester. Police said they were called around 9:30 a.m. local time (10:30 a.m. in Switzerland) after a witness reported a car driving into pedestrians and a man being stabbed. Emergency crews described treating four people for injuries sustained both by the vehicle and by knife attacks. Police also indicated that shots were fired by officers on the scene.
The Greater Manchester Police noted that a man—believed to be the attacker—was wounded by police fire, but the force did not specify his death status. Witnesses reported that a security guard accompanying worshippers was struck with a knife during the assault. The incident drew a rapid response from emergency services and law enforcement, who secured the area and provided medical care to those injured.
Nature of the attack and current status
Authorities have not released a definitive motive at this stage. The police described the incident as involving both a vehicle and a knife, with gunfire exchanged as officers intervened. Four victims were reported to be receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the attack, and investigators were working to establish the sequence of events and the number of people involved. As of the latest police briefings, there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the public, with officials saying any immediate danger had been mitigated.
What the police and city officials said
Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, described the situation as “horrified” and urged calm, asking residents not to speculate on social media and to allow investigators to proceed. He praised the police for their rapid response in the face of a dangerous, fast-moving incident.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “horrified” by the attack and planned to cut short his participation at the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen to return to the United Kingdom. A government source emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the intent to ensure a thorough investigation.
Context and next steps for the Manchester community
The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a time when many worshippers visit synagogues for prayers. The timing has added a solemn dimension to the incident in a city with a significant Jewish community. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available. Community leaders have been asked to be vigilant while authorities determine the attacker’s motive and any possible links to broader security concerns.
The event underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response, community safety measures at religious sites, and ongoing vigilance in the face of threats to public safety. Manchester residents and visitors are being urged to follow official briefings and remain patient as investigators work to piece together the events of that morning.
