Two arrested as Manchester synagogue attack declared a terrorist incident
Two people died and three were injured in the incident earlier today
Last updated 2nd Oct 2025
The police have confirmed that two people have been arrested after the attack outside a synagogue in Crumpshall in Manchester.
Police have also confirmed that they believe they know the identity of the attacker.
Greater Manchester Police give more details of the attack
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed two members of the Jewish community died as a result of the attack.
At a press conference he said: “Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers within seven minutes of the original call.
“Four further people remain in hospital having suffered a variety of serious injuries, and their treatment is ongoing, and our thoughts are with them and their families.”
It was also confirmed that a car was driven directly at people outside the synagogue before people were then attacked by the driver who had a knife.
He also said the attacker was wearing “a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device”.
The chief constable also thanked security staff and worshippers at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue for their bravery:
“There were a large number of worshipers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack, but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.
“All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises."
Counter Terrorism police confirm arrests
Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “This morning, an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall in Manchester. Two people have died. The attacker has been shot dead by the police.
“We believe we know their identity, but for safety reasons at the scene, we’re unable to confirm at this stage.
“Three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests, and based on what we know, counter terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident.”
Counter terrorism police are working with officers in Greater Manchester to investigate the attack.
Mr Taylor added: “Those who have been killed injured at the forefront of our minds as of their families, friends, and all of those who love them and attack them on Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating.”
Patrols stepped up at Jewish sites across the country
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said police forces would be stepping up patrols at synagogues and Jewish sites across the country, and urged members of the public to report anything suspicious.
He said: “Communities across the UK that would normally be marking this holy day are now grieving and worried about their safety. And 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 those communities who have been affected by this incident."