GMP. Photo: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock A serious attack took place this morning (October 2, 2025), outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Street, Crumpsall, Manchester.
Large forces from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to the scene, and the incident was classified as PLATO (no notice attack across all key agencies and organisations) as well as a "Major Incident." At 09:37, an emergency procedure was activated.
According to a police statement, a minute later, at 09:38, officers from the weapons unit fired at the suspect and neutralized him. At 09:41, first aid teams arrived and began providing treatment to the injured. Members of the public were asked to “avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident.”
The police reported that two people were killed in the car ramming and stabbing attack, three others were seriously injured, and four more suffered less severe injuries as a result of a runover and stabbings.
The condition of the seriously injured remains critical, and they are receiving medical treatment in the city's hospitals. It was also reported that the suspect, who was shot by the police, is also "believed to be dead."
However, final confirmation has not yet been given due to suspicious items found on his body, and police saboteurs have been called to deal with this.
GMP via X: “I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today’s incident, refrains from circulating them on social media, please do share directly with GMP."
The authorities said they will continue to offer updates while urging anyone who “believes they may have a loved one involved in today’s incident” to use the Casualty Bureau information to get more information.
At the time when the attack took place, dozens of worshippers were inside the synagogue, attending Yom Kippur services. Police instructed them to stay inside the building until the area was deemed safe; they were eventually evacuated under the escort of security forces.
“The shocking attack that took place today, on the holiest day for the Jewish community, has caused deep shock and fear across all of our communities. We are grateful to the citizen whose resourcefulness enabled swift action, which prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue.”, said the police spokesman.
The police are currently in direct contact with all synagogues in Manchester to strengthen the community's security and peace of mind. The investigation is ongoing as the police are following all possible leads.