Four Injured in Car Ramming and Stabbing Attack at Manchester Synagogue; Suspect Shot by Police

Manchester, October 2 — Four people sustained injuries in a violent car ramming and stabbing attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, on Thursday morning, with the suspect shot by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers shortly after the incident unfolded. The attack, which took place at 9:31 a.m. BST on Yom Kippur—the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar—prompted authorities to declare a major incident and establish a wide cordon around Middleton Road, disrupting local traffic and community activities. The incident has drawn significant attention due to its timing and location, raising concerns about security at religious sites, according to details received by The Chenab Times.

Police received an initial call from a member of the public who witnessed a car being deliberately driven toward a group of people outside the synagogue, followed by the stabbing of one individual. The response was swift, with Greater Manchester Police declaring a PLATO (police-led threat assessment) status at 9:37 a.m. and deploying armed officers within minutes. Shots were fired at 9:38 a.m., targeting the suspect, who was believed to be the lone offender. Paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service arrived at 9:41 a.m., treating four victims who suffered injuries from both the vehicle impact and stab wounds, including one security guard who was reportedly attacked with a knife, as confirmed in an official police statement.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham addressed the public via BBC Radio Manchester, describing the event as a “serious incident” and offering reassurance that “the immediate danger appears to be over” due to the effective response by on-site personnel and police officers. He noted that the suspect is “believed” to be deceased, though this has not been officially confirmed pending forensic and medical assessments. The North West Ambulance Service reinforced the major incident declaration, dispatching multiple resources to the scene and prioritizing rapid medical evacuation and treatment for the injured, who were transported to nearby hospitals for further care.

The timing of the attack coincided with Yom Kippur observances, a day when large numbers of the Jewish community gather at synagogues for fasting, prayer, and reflection. The Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, a prominent local synagogue, was hosting services when the incident occurred, amplifying the shock within the community. Witnesses reported seeing congregants and passersby fleeing the scene as the car veered toward them, with one individual sustaining a stab wound during the chaos. Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment police intervened, though details of the suspect’s identity, motive, and condition remain under investigation.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while the police continue their response, which includes securing the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing CCTV footage. Road closures around Middleton Road and nearby streets have caused significant traffic disruptions, with local bus services rerouted and residents advised to stay indoors. The police have not yet classified the incident as a terrorist attack, but the involvement of a vehicle and weapon has led to heightened security measures across Manchester’s religious sites, especially given recent global tensions and a reported rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK.

Community leaders, including representatives from the Manchester Jewish community, expressed dismay and called for unity and support for the victims. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis issued a statement condemning the violence and offering prayers for the injured, while local officials promised a thorough investigation. The Home Office has been notified, and counter-terrorism units are assisting Greater Manchester Police to determine whether the attack was ideologically motivated or a random act of violence. No further updates on the victims’ conditions or the suspect’s status have been released, with authorities promising more information as the situation develops.

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