Four people have been injured in a knife attack at a synagogue in Manchester, northwest England, today, with police confirming that a suspect has been shot.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester that “it is believed” that the attacker is dead, but he added that this was “not confirmed” yet.
The incident occurred this morning at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Middleton Road, Crumpsall, in the city.
It took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
Greater Manchester Police have declared a major incident and activated “PLATO,” the national code word used by police and emergency services for “a marauding terror attack”.
Counterterrorist police and MI5, the security service covering the UK, have joined the investigation, the BBC reported.
In a statement, the force 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 one man had been stabbed.
“GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.
“Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 am and are tending to members of the public, currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.”
The police called for the public to avoid the area while they were dealing with the aftermath of attack.
They did add that the “immediate danger is over”.
Videos of the incident shared on social media will not be featured on this website due to their disturbing content. They showed the police pointing their guns at a figure lying on the ground. Officers urged bystanders to move away.
One person could be seen lying motionless and face forward on the pavement, a few metres away, in a pool of blood.
The suspected attacker appeared to have what police feared could be explosives on him. When he tried to stand up, they took no chances and shot him at close range.
Photo of the terrorist who went on terror rampage in Manchester, UK today. Looks like he is wearing some device. pic.twitter.com/WvPMg5L5Df
— Serge Adam 🇾🇪🎗️ (@SergeMUFC) October 2, 2025
In a reaction to the terror attack, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled”.
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
Due to the attack, the PM will return to the UK from the defence summit in Copenhagen ahead of time to attend a crisis meeting.
#INCIDENT | We’re responding to an incident outside a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 2, 2025
