Suspect shot after multiple stabbings outside Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur

Thursday, 2 October 2025 10:56

By David Murphy

Armed police opened fire after a man reportedly drove at worshippers and stabbed a member of the public outside Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall.

A man has been shot by police following a violent incident outside a synagogue in north Manchester that left four people injured.

Greater Manchester Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road at 9.31am this morning, Wednesday, 2 October, after a car was reportedly driven towards members of the public and one person was stabbed.

The incident happened during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, one of the most sacred days in the Jewish calendar, when many families were gathered for religious observance.

Officers declared a major incident and initiated PLATO, the national protocol for suspected terrorist incidents, just six minutes after the first report. The suspect, who police believe to be the offender, was shot by armed officers at 9.38am and is believed to be alive. His current condition has not been disclosed.

Emergency services, including paramedics from North West Ambulance Service, arrived at the scene within ten minutes. Police have confirmed that four members of the public have sustained injuries caused by both the vehicle and knife. None of the injuries are currently believed to be life-threatening.

A cordon remains in place on Middleton Road between Wilton Road and Crumpsall Lane. Officers and paramedics are still at the scene and residents have been urged to avoid the area.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham described the incident as “serious” but said the immediate danger had passed. Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, he praised both GMP and security staff at the synagogue for their swift response and reassured the public that “the situation has been dealt with very effectively”.

He also confirmed the presence of armed police and added that security staff at the synagogue had assisted officers on the scene.

GMP has not confirmed whether the attack is being treated as terrorism, though the activation of PLATO indicates a potential concern. A video circulating on social media appears to show the immediate aftermath of the incident, though its contents have not been officially verified.

The suspect reportedly did not enter the synagogue itself.

In a statement, GMP said:

“We’re responding to an incident outside a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester. Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue 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 9.41am and are tending to four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.”

Transport in the area has been disrupted as Middleton Road remains closed, and there are reports of a significant emergency service presence.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Six arrested as counter terror police widen investigation into Crumpsall synagogue attack

Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that six people have now been arrested following a terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, with detectives seeking extended detention warrants as the investigation continues.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators say planned march WILL go ahead this weekend

Pro-Palestine demonstrations will go ahead in Manchester this weekend, according to organisers.
Family of Melvin Cravitz pay tribute to ‘kind and caring man’

Tributes have now been paid to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz who died during yesterday’s attack at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.
Manchester synagogue attacker was on bail for alleged rape, sources have confirmed.

A man who carried out a deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester was reportedly on police bail for an alleged rape at the time, though this has not been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police.
Emotional Bev Craig and Andy Burnham speeches call synagogue attack ‘an attack on all of us’

Cheers greeted powerful speeches made by Bev Craig and Andy Burnham at a vigil for the victims of the Crumpsall synagogue terror attack.
Family of Adrian Daulby pay tribute to ‘a down to earth man whose final act was to save others’

Tributes have been paid to 53-year-old Adrian Daulby who died during yesterday’s terrorist incident at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.
Tyler Smith returns to Rochdale AFC after five-year absence

Forward signs until end of season as club bolsters attacking options with familiar face
Leaders condemn antisemitic attack on synagogue in Crumpsall

Greater Manchester’s political leaders have issued a joint statement after an antisemitic attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall left worshippers dead and injured.
Springhill Hospice walk raises over £54,000 in Rochdale’s biggest ever charity ramble

Over 600 residents braved torrential rain to support Springhill Hospice and raise a record-breaking £54,363
First Manchester drivers win 20% pay rise as strike is called off but Bee Network walkouts continue

Bus strikes by First Manchester drivers have been called off after an ‘exceptional’ pay deal was secured, but industrial action will continue at Metroline and Stagecoach depots across Greater Manchester.
Fresh faces, top talent and community wins as Hopwood Hall College celebrates standout apprentice success

From award wins to job offers, Hopwood Hall College has highlighted a string of apprenticeship success stories as it continues to grow its links with employers across Rochdale and beyond.
Worshipper 'shot by police' during terror attack on Crumpsall synagogue GMP confirms

A man killed during a suspected terrorist incident at a synagogue in Crumpsall may have died as a result of a police bullet, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.