Stabbing Incident at Manchester Synagogue

A man was shot multiple times by police outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Thursday morning as officers responded to reports of a car attack combined with stabbings.

Several individuals were reportedly hit by a vehicle and then attacked with a knife at the Heaton Park synagogue on Middleton Road. Mayor Andy Burnham indicated that the car was driven by a member of the public who exited the vehicle and attempted to stab bystanders.

Update 11:40 BST – Bomb Disposal Team Arrives

Videos shared on social media shortly after the incident showed witness accounts and police references to a bomb. Witnesses mentioned the suspect appeared to be wearing what was described as a “wire vest,” and the bomb squad was deployed to the scene. However, there’s no confirmation on the current severity of the threat.

Update 11:15 BST – Targeting of Yom Kippur Service Confirmed

Mayor Burnham provided multiple updates throughout the morning, emphasizing the significance of the day—Yom Kippur—for the Jewish community, noting it was a time for many to gather for a service.

“I believe this situation is likely linked to Yom Kippur, a day of celebration for Jewish people, and I can only guess the feelings of those hearing this news,” he remarked.

The area surrounding the synagogue has a substantial Jewish population.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, currently in Denmark for a political conference, announced he would cut his visit short to address the situation back home and lead an emergency meeting concerning the attacks. He expressed his shock and sympathy saying:

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my gratitude extends to the emergency responders.”

While authorities have yet to disclose the suspect’s identity or motives, their method—using a vehicle and a knife—suggests a typical modus operandi associated with some European extremist groups. Unlike more sophisticated attacks that employ firearms and explosives, this method often evades the scrutiny of security agencies.

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It appears that the suspect did not gain entry into the synagogue. Mayor Burnham shared with the BBC that four people sustained injuries due to stabbings, while paramedics rushed to assist the victims. He noted that the alleged attacker had been killed.

Footage circulating online depicts the armed police response and the suspect being shot. Some videos show a man on the ground as armed officers shout warnings to the public about potential explosives.

When the man attempted to get up, he was shot by police. Another individual also appeared to be lying on the ground, seemingly injured.

Authorities have classified the event as a major incident.

The Community Safety Trust, a charity that focuses on providing security for British Jews, arrived promptly and stated: “We are collaborating with the police and local Jewish communities following this grave incident at the synagogue in North Manchester, which reflects a disturbing attack on such a sacred day.”

The attack coincides with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Reports also indicated that another attack related to suspected Hamas activity had occurred in Berlin, where officials believed there was intent to target Jewish individuals using firearms and substantial ammunition.

This story is ongoing.