World
2 dead, multiple injured in car and stabbing attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester
Manchester, UK – A major incident was declared this morning after a violent attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
At approximately 09:31 BST, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports of a man deliberately driving a car into worshippers before exiting the vehicle and stabbing individuals near the synagogue entrance.
Two people have been confirmed dead.
Four others sustained injuries, including stab and vehicle-related wounds. Among the injured is a security guard who was on duty at the synagogue.
The suspect was confronted by armed officers at the scene and subsequently shot. GMP stated that the suspect is “believed to be deceased,” but his condition has not yet been officially confirmed due to suspicious items on his person.
A bomb disposal unit has been deployed to ensure public safety.
Emergency medical teams treated victims on-site before transporting them to nearby hospitals.
Police secured the perimeter, evacuating worshippers and ordering the public to avoid the area while counterterrorism officers and explosives experts conduct further checks.
Footage circulating online, reportedly filmed by a passerby, shows armed officers surrounding a man lying on the ground near the synagogue.
As officers held their positions, one shouted, “Everybody else, he has a bomb. Go away.” Moments later, the suspect appeared to move, prompting officers to fire additional rounds.
A black vehicle, believed to have been used in the attack, was seen stopped near the synagogue gate beside a victim lying in a pool of blood.
- Greater Manchester Police confirmed: “Officers responded at 09:31 to reports of a vehicle driving into pedestrians and multiple people being stabbed at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. Firearms officers attended and a man, believed to be the offender, was shot. Due to suspicious items found on the individual, his condition cannot yet be confirmed.”
- Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told: “It is believed the immediate danger has passed, but we are awaiting confirmation. Our priority remains the safety of the public and supporting the victims.”
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party Leader, condemned the attack, calling it “an outrageous assault on the Jewish community on their holiest day – vile and disgusting.”
- His Majesty King Charles III issued a statement with Queen Camilla, saying: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Police continue to treat the incident with the utmost seriousness and have urged residents to avoid the Crumpsall and Heaton Park areas until the scene is fully secured.
Counterterrorism officers are assisting GMP in the investigation, and further updates will be provided as details are confirmed.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.