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.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshua’s professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshua’s recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.