A horrific terror attack unfolded on Thursday, October 2, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, North Manchester. The incident, which tragically occurred on Yom Kippur—the holiest day in the Jewish calendar—resulted in the deaths of two members of the public and left three others seriously injured. The attacker was swiftly shot dead by armed police, preventing a potentially greater loss of life.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received the initial call at 9:31 am, reporting a car being driven at pedestrians and a man being stabbed outside the synagogue. Armed firearms officers were deployed within minutes, arriving at 9:34 am. By 9:37 am, GMP had declared a major incident and initiated ‘PLATO’, the national response plan for a marauding terrorist attack. The suspect was fatally shot by officers at 9:38 am, just seven minutes after the first emergency call. Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9:41 am to treat the casualties.

Witnesses described a scene of “carnage.” Khurram Rafiq, who was driving past, saw a car deliberately swerve and hit someone on the pavement, after which the driver exited and stabbed the man. The attacker, identified by witnesses as an Asian man, was observed targeting Jewish individuals and acting in a “robotic” manner without shouting. He attempted to force his way into the synagogue, banging on the doors and trying to “jimmy open” them while people inside and outside tried to distract him by throwing objects like plant pots. The suspect was seen with what appeared to be an explosive or suicide belt strapped to his waist; however, police sources later indicated this device was “not believed to be viable.” A “loud bang” heard at the scene was later confirmed by GMP to be specialist resources gaining entry to the suspect’s vehicle as a precaution, dispelling fears of an explosion.

The quick thinking and bravery of the synagogue’s security staff and members of the congregation were crucial. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading services, was hailed as a hero for calmly barricading the synagogue doors and leading worshippers to safety, thereby preventing the attacker from entering the crowded building. This decisive action, coupled with the rapid and courageous response of armed police officers, was widely praised for averting a worse outcome. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed that four people remained in hospital with serious injuries and that the attacker was fatally shot within seven minutes of the initial 999 call.

The incident was officially declared a terrorist attack by Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, who also confirmed that two other individuals had been arrested in connection with the investigation. The attacker’s identity is believed to be known, but was not released publicly due to safety considerations at the scene. Extensive cordons were established around the synagogue and a nearby residential street, White House Avenue, where two men were reportedly arrested. A bomb disposal unit was deployed, and an SAS helicopter was observed overhead as part of the multi-agency response.

The attack sent profound shockwaves through the Jewish community in Manchester and beyond. Many expressed feelings of deep distress, fear, and a sense that their “worst fears came true” on such a sacred day. Raphi Bloom, co-chairman of North West Friends of Israel, characterized the incident as the “culmination of two years of constant Jew hatred” linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Rabbi Jonathan Romain described it as “every Jewish person’s worst nightmare,” noting that it would heighten existing fears of political violence spilling into religious hatred. In response, police forces across the UK, including the Metropolitan Police, increased patrols and security at synagogues and other Jewish sites to offer reassurance.

Political leaders from all major parties swiftly condemned the attack. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cut short a European summit to return to London and chair an emergency Cobra meeting, pledging that “additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country” to keep the Jewish community safe. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage all issued statements expressing their abhorrence and solidarity. King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales also conveyed their deep shock and offered condolences to those affected. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood visited GMP headquarters to receive an update and expressed “steadfast support” for the Jewish community.

Significantly, Muslim leaders in Manchester, including the Manchester Council of Mosques and Chief Imam Allama Qamaruzzaman Azmi, issued powerful statements of solidarity with their Jewish neighbours. They condemned the “utterly abhorrent” violence and emphasized Manchester’s commitment to unity, peace, and mutual respect among all faiths, stating that any attempt to “divide us through violence or hatred will fail.”

The widespread impact of the incident also affected local services. Several major Greater Manchester hospitals, including Salford Royal, Fairfield General, Rochdale Infirmary, and the Royal Oldham, were placed on “lockdown” for a period, with NHS Greater Manchester urging the public to use Accident & Emergency departments only for urgent or life-threatening conditions. Schools in nearby areas reassured parents that pupils were safe and operations continued as usual. Transport for Greater Manchester announced bus diversions due to road closures around Middleton Road. The investigation remains ongoing, with Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson assuring that inquiries are moving “at pace” as authorities work to understand the full circumstances of what has happened, while urging the public to refrain from circulating disturbing content online.