Manchester attack declared terrorist incident

Thursday's attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue has been declared a terrorist incident.

Two people were killed and three remain in a serious condition after the attack, which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

One person is in hospital with a stab wound and a second was hit by the car. A third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.

A member of the public called police at 09:31 to report a car being driven at the public and that one person had been stabbed. Firearms officers were deployed to the scene at 09:34.

Plato was declared at 09:37 and NHS trusts activated their major incident plans.

The suspect was shot dead at 09:38. Police believe the person responsible is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie - a British citizen of Syrian descent.

A suspicious device that the attacker was wearing has been assessed and was deemed not to be viable.

Since the attack, three other people have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. They are two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s.

Security has been increased at synagogues and Jewish sites around the country and those attending are urged to follow instructions from security guards and police officers. 

Flags will be flown at half mast on UK government buildings until 20:00 on Friday 3 October 2025.

Members of the public are reminded not to share footage online and not to share information they don't know is true.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said: "An attack on our Jewish community, today, on Yom Kippur, is devastating. Communities across the UK who would normally be marking this holy day, are now grieving, and worried about their safety.

“I want to be clear, UK policing is mobilising. And is mobilising fast.

“Police forces are stepping up patrols across the country, at synagogues and Jewish sites and more widely to provide reassurance to all communities who are affected. At Counter Terrorism Policing we are deploying all of our capabilities in response to what has happened, and we have resources from across our network involved."

Police have said that they do not currently have any records that the attacker had any previous Prevent referrals and his motive is not known.

A rabbi and security guards from the synagogue are being praised for their efforts in preventing the attacker from getting inside the building. It has been reported that prayers had already begun when the attack took place, but Rabbi Daniel Walker lead his congregation to safety.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences to the families and victims affected. I want to thank the Greater Manchester Police, the first responders, and those dedicated security specialists. There is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery."

He continued: "But to every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this: I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do. And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that – nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community. I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain – the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love. And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong."

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: "To the Chief Constable and all of his staff, we cannot thank you enough for being on the scene within minutes. Our firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and staff from North West Ambulance Service also provided emergency care at the scene. This was an exemplary blue light response."

He continued: "Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked.

"We ask everyone to show solidarity to the Jewish community. Already, we have mobilised through our interfaith network messages of support and solidarity to our places of worship.

"We will always stand together here in Greater Manchester and we will never let acts designed to cause hatred and division in our communities succeed.

"Our message to everyone across Greater Manchester is:

"Do not let them succeed. Respond by reaching out, by redoubling efforts to work together and stand together in these difficult times."