Two people were killed and four others were seriously injured in a violent terrorist attack in Manchester, UK. The incident happened outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday, October 2, 2025, during Yom Kippur. The holiest day in the Jewish calendar was disrupted when a man crashed into the perimeter of the synagogue where worshippers had gathered in large numbers.
According to Greater Manchester Police, the attacker drove a vehicle into pedestrians before exiting and stabbing several people, including a security guard stationed outside the synagogue. Armed officers arrived within minutes, shooting the suspect dead to prevent further casualties.
“At this time we know that a car was driven directly at members of the public,” said Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson. He commended law enforcement for acting “swiftly and bravely”.
Following the incident, four injured individuals were rushed to the hospital with wounds that were described as serious. Worshippers and security staff have been praised for their quick action in blocking the attacker from entering the synagogue, which seemingly prevented a much larger tragedy.
Police later confirmed the suspect had been wearing a vest that appeared to contain explosives. Bomb disposal teams secured the area and carried out a controlled detonation, but investigators have since said the device was “not viable.”
Police also took two people into custody who are believed to be connected to the incident. Counter-terrorism teams are examining the attacker’s background and possible connections.
Local resident Steven Hirst recalled being pulled over by police near the scene. “I got pulled over by a police officer and he told me, ‘ Get out of your car and get down the road. ’” Claire Senechko,, a resident who has been in the area for four years, said, “I was shocked, as I’m round the corner.” She added that it was frightening that the incident happened so close to her house.
National leaders responded quickly. Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short a summit in Copenhagen to chair an emergency Cobra meeting in London. He condemned the attack. He considered it to be even more sickening that it happened on Yom Kippur. He also reassured the public that all synagogues will have a stronger security presence going forward. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also described the attack as horrifying, especially due to its timing.
