A major incident has been declared in north Manchester after a car was driven into worshippers and a security guard was stabbed outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, this morning.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that they were called at 9.31am on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Armed officers arrived within three minutes and declared Operation Plato – the national emergency protocol for suspected terror incidents.
According to GMP, a vehicle was deliberately driven at members of the public before the suspect exited the car and began attacking people with a knife. Armed officers shot the suspect minutes later. He is believed to be dead.
Paramedics from North West Ambulance Service treated four people at the scene for injuries caused by both the vehicle and knife. Two victims have since died, police confirmed.
The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, when worshippers had gathered at the synagogue for prayers.
Hospitals and Schools in Lockdown
Following the incident, Rochdale Infirmary, Salford Royal, Fairfield General, Royal Oldham, and other medical facilities across Greater Manchester were placed into lockdown. Several local schools and community centres also reported heightened security.
A bomb disposal unit was deployed as a precaution after armed officers at the scene warned bystanders to move away, stating that the attacker might have had an explosive device. No explosive was found.
Eyewitness Footage
Footage circulating online shows armed police surrounding the suspect, who lay on the ground near the synagogue gates. At one point, officers can be heard shouting warnings of a possible bomb. The man attempted to rise before police opened fire, bringing him down.
Political and Community Response
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said:
“This was an extremely serious incident, but people can be assured that the immediate danger has been dealt with swiftly and effectively. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and Manchester’s Jewish community on this most sacred of days.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was attending the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, is returning to the UK after being briefed on the situation. A COBR emergency committee meeting has been convened in London this afternoon.
Police Statement
In a statement, GMP said:
“Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, and that one man had been stabbed. GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by GMP firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender. Four members of the public are being treated for injuries.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police have urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue. Security has been stepped up at other places of worship across Greater Manchester.
The condition of those injured remains unclear. The identity of the attacker has not yet been released.
