Four people have been injured following a car and stabbing attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall at around 9:30am on Wednesday after witnesses reported a car being driven towards members of the public and a man being stabbed.
Armed officers arrived within minutes, and the suspect was shot by police. Authorities say the man is believed to be dead, though this has not yet been formally confirmed.
A major incident was declared, with emergency services including paramedics and the fire service rushing to the scene. “Operation Plato”, the police response to potential marauding terrorist incidents, was activated.
Victims and Response
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that four people were injured as a result of both the vehicle collision and stabbing. One of the victims is understood to be a security guard at the synagogue.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said:
“It is believed the offender is deceased, but this is not yet confirmed. The immediate danger appears to be over.”
Political Leaders React
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, calling it “appalling”:
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
The Prime Minister ended his overseas trip early and will chair an emergency COBR meeting in London this afternoon.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the incident as “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day,” calling it “vile and disgusting.”
Community Shock
Large numbers of members of the Jewish community gathered near the police cordon in the aftermath, with helicopters overhead and emergency services maintaining a strong presence.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirmed urgent steps were being taken to establish the motive for the attack, though police have not yet provided further details.
