Four people were wounded and a suspected attacker was shot by police on Thursday after a car ramming and stabbing incident outside a synagogue in Manchester, England.
Greater Manchester Police declared a “major incident” shortly after 9:30 am (0830 GMT) when officers were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area of the city.
“Paramedics arrived at the scene…and are tending to members of the public,” police said. “Currently four members of the public [are] with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.”
Armed officers responded within minutes, opening fire on the suspect at 9:38 am. “One man has been shot, believed to be the offender,” the police statement said.
The attack took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and just days before the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident. “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” he said, adding that he was cutting short EU talks in Denmark to return to the UK.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described it as “a serious incident,” but urged calm. “The immediate danger appears to be over and GMP have dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public and security at the location,” he told the BBC.
Police deployed firearms units at 9:34 am following reports that a security guard had been attacked with a knife. Burnham also appealed to the public not to speculate online, acknowledging that the Jewish community “will be very worried by the news.”
The North West Ambulance Service said it had dispatched multiple units. “We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”
Police activated Operation Plato, the UK’s national protocol for responding to “marauding terrorist attacks,” which involves a coordinated multi-agency response to contain threats to life.
The Community Security Trust (CST), a Jewish charity that tracks antisemitic incidents, said it was working closely with police and the local Jewish community. “This appears to be an appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year,” CST said, thanking officers and synagogue security for their swift response.
Tensions around the Gaza conflict have led to large pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London and other major UK cities, further heightening community sensitivities.