Manchester synagogue attack: Two killed, three injured in stabbing and car ramming attack on Yom Kippur, say UK police

Armed police officers stand with their weapons inside a Police cordon near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester (AFP Photo)

A car ramming and stabbing attack outside a synagogue in northern England has left at least two people dead and three others in serious condition, according to Greater Manchester Police.

CNN reported that the incident occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, north of Manchester city center.

As per the CNN report, police received a call at 9:31 a.m. from a witness who reported seeing a vehicle driven toward members of the public. One man was also stabbed during the attack. Armed officers responding to the scene shot the suspected attacker, who is believed to be dead, police confirmed.

The timing of the attack coincided with Yom Kippur services, when synagogues typically see increased attendance.

During this observance, faith leaders conduct religious services throughout the day as practicing Jews engage in introspective prayer, seeking forgiveness or expressing regret for sins committed during the past year.

Greater Manchester Police declared PLATO, a national code word indicating the deployment of armed officers across the force to an active attack scene, CNN understands.

Four area hospitals have been placed on lockdown following the attack, according to Manchester Evening News.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that additional police resources would be deployed at synagogues nationwide, PA Media news agency reported. He characterized the attack's timing as particularly disturbing.

"The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific," the prime minister said in a post on X. "My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected."

Starmer said, "This morning's attack is absolutely shocking. I’m on my way back to London to chair an emergency meeting, and additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country. We will do everything we can to keep our Jewish community safe."

#WATCH | On the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says, "This morning's attack is absolutely shocking. I’m on my way back to London to chair an emergency meeting, and additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country. We… pic.twitter.com/Lv3ZAmm0tW

— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2025

Starmer will return to the UK early from a security meeting of European leaders in Copenhagen to chair a Cobra committee meeting, according to PA Media. The Cobra committee is a cross-departmental government group convened during situations of national emergency.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called it a "serious incident" and asked the public to stay away from the area.

"Obviously what we would all want to recognize is how people in our Jewish community will be feeling right now," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I can only imagine how people are feeling when they hear this news, the fear that that will bring," added Burnham.