Warning: content which may be distressing for some readers.
On 2 October 2025, a violent incident took place outside Heaton Park Synagogue. According to the BBC, a member of the public reported the incident just after 9:30am, and the police were quick to consider it a ‘major incident.’ They responded accordingly, and the suspected attacker was shot dead at approximately 9:38am, but not before he had killed two people and seriously injured four others, who were all taken to hospital.
A terrorist incident in Manchester
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, apparently told the BBC that one of the victims, who was attacked with a knife, was thought to be a security guard. The suspect had driven straight for members of the public, according to an eyewitness by the name of Shah, before jumping out with a knife and running towards people.
People barricaded the synagogue to prevent the man, who claimed to have had a bomb, from entering. After a few warnings, the police opened fire on the man, and fatally shot him. Two arrests have been made, according to Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor. This has been considered a ‘terrorist incident.’ It happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish Calendar.
A white lorry marked “Bomb Disposal” arrived at the scene at 11:15am, and the incident was confirmed by Mayor Andy Burnham to be “contained” just eight minutes later.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency COBR committee on the same day as the attack. The prime minister said he was “appalled” by the attack.
He said in a statement:
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.
He added that:
Britain must defeat rising antisemitic hatred.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, called it a ‘serious incident.’
King Charles III said he and the Queen were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community”.
Lancashire County Council statement
Cllr Stephen Atkinson, leader of Lancashire County Council and Cllr Azhar Ali OBE, leader of the opposition, Lancashire County Council, have issued a joint statement regarding the attack. In this, they said
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the distressing events that unfolded this morning at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
On what should have been a sacred and peaceful day for the Jewish community, this appalling attack has left many shaken and grieving.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected – individuals, families, and the wider community. We stand in solidarity with Manchester’s Jewish community and offer our heartfelt support during this incredibly difficult time.
Since the local elections in May we have been actively engaging with the Jewish community and will further this engagement over the coming weeks and months.
We also wish to express our appreciation for the swift and courageous response of the emergency services, who acted decisively to protect lives and bring the situation under control.
Makerfield MP Josh Simons reacted
Josh Simons, MP, said in a statement to his constituents,
A century ago, North Manchester welcomed my Jewish family fleeing persecution. The North of England embraced them as they fled violence and hatred abroad.
The attack today at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue fills me with sorrow and with fear. I know that members of the Jewish community in Greater Manchester, and across the country, will be feeling the same.
It’s no accident this attack was today, on Yom Kippur, a season special to all Jewish people.
I stand with Jewish community. I know that Manchester’s love and kindness will show over the coming days. And I know that the North will be what it has always been: tolerant and proud, a home for anyone who contributes to our towns and to our country.
Our thoughts are with those affected at this time.
