Gunman shot by police after killing two outside synagogue as bomb squad races to body rigged with suspicious device

Thursday, 2 October 2025 12:25

By David Murphy

Two members of the public killed, three others seriously injured and a bomb squad called in after gunman shot outside Crumpsall synagogue.

Two people have been confirmed dead and several others seriously injured following a major incident outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on Middleton Road, Crumpsall.

Greater Manchester Police said two members of the public were killed during the attack. A third man, believed to be the suspected offender, was shot by armed officers. While he is thought to be dead, GMP stressed his death cannot yet be formally confirmed due to suspicious items found on his body. A bomb disposal team remains at the scene assessing the risk.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) declared a major incident following a 999 call received at 9:33am on Thursday 2 October. A spokesperson confirmed that a car had been driven at members of the public and multiple people were stabbed.

NWAS deployed a large emergency response, including air ambulance, advanced paramedics, doctors, and the Hazardous Area Response Team. Four patients with serious injuries were taken to hospital. Emergency crews remain at the scene assisting GMP and other agencies.

A GMP spokesperson said: “We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities. We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.”

Worshippers inside the building were temporarily held in place as a safety precaution and have since been evacuated.

The Casualty Bureau has been activated and is available for anyone concerned about loved ones. It can be reached on 0800 056 0153, or via the UK Police Image Appeal website, where the public is also urged to upload any photos or footage of the incident instead of sharing them on social media.

The area remains cordoned off. Members of the public are being urged to avoid the scene while police investigations continue.