Police have now confirmed that confirm two people have died following the major incident outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Middleton Road, Crumpsall.
A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP Firearms Officers and is also believed to be deceased.
It cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues surround suspicious items on his person. The bomb disposal unit has been called and is now at the scene.
Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition.
A large number of people worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the incident, were held inside while the immediate area was made safe but have since been evacuated.
A major cordon remains in place and people are urged to avoid the area
Keir Starmer is flying back to Britain from Copenhagen following the Manchester synagogue attack and will chair a COBR meeting
The Prime Minister said
I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall.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.
Greater Manchester’s NHS is urging the public to only use A&E in emergencies after hospitals locked down following the Middleton Road stabbing.
There has been condemnation of the attack across the political and religious spectrum
“This was a vile and disgusting attack on a synagogue in Manchester. On Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – families gathered in prayer were targets for violence” said Tory leader Kemi Badenoch
“Today we have witnessed a vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day.We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe” said Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham
Manchester Council Leader Bev Craig said:
“We are all horrified by this shocking and reprehensible attack on members of Manchester’s Jewish community, on their holiest day.
“Our thoughts are with those who have been killed and seriously injured, their loved ones and with everyone who has been affected by this awful incident.
“We have been supporting our local community throughout the morning and offer our full support and love.
“We will be working Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and our local communities in the hours ahead to offer support and reassurance. Manchester stands with our Jewish community at this darkest of moments, and will come together as a city.”
Crumpsall’s three councillors have also released a statement
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Councillors in Crumpsall stand in solidarity with the families affected by today’s attacked at a Synagogue in north Manchester. |
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“Today, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, should have been a special time for our Jewish communities – a time of reflection, atonement and peace. Instead, Crumpsall has been shocked by the horrifying and senseless attack on a place of worship – an act that we condemn in the strongest possible terms. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, along with the entire Jewish community in Manchester and further afield. “We will always stand against hatred and we offer our Jewish friends solidarity and our full support at this time.”
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Manchester MP Lucy Powell said
“I am horrified at the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue. My first thoughts are with those affected and their families. I fully stand by & with the Manchester Jewish community. The antisemitism and Jewish hate they are increasingly experiencing is appalling & totally unacceptable”
Cllr Eamonn, Leader of Bury Council has also spoken about the attack in Manchester today:
“We are saddened and shocked by the tragic deaths and the horrific incident at the synagogue in Crumpsall today on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
Former North West Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said on X
Manchester Synagogue attack was an act of terror — driven by hate, targeting Jews in a sacred space. It is heartbreaking. It is enraging Grateful to the police for their speedy action.We will stand loudly, visibly, and unwaveringly — against antisemitism and hate in all forms.
