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.
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A powerful car bomb detonated near Mall del Sol in Guayaquil resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local authorities.
The blast, which sent shockwaves across the bustling commercial district, is being investigated as a possible terror or organized crime-related attack amid Ecuador’s ongoing struggle with rising gang violence.
The explosion occurred near one of the main entrances of Mall del Sol, one of Guayaquil’s largest and busiest shopping centers, located in the north of the city.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction as a vehicle parked along the roadside suddenly erupted into flames, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the air.
Surveillance footage and videos shared on social media captured the moment of the detonation, showing debris flying across the street as nearby cars were engulfed by the blast.
Several storefronts and vehicles in the vicinity were heavily damaged, and windows shattered across multiple nearby buildings.
Initial reports from emergency responders indicate that several people were killed, and multiple others sustained serious injuries.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Firefighters, police, and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and extinguishing the burning vehicles. Paramedics transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities evacuated the surrounding area to ensure public safety.
Officials from Ecuador’s National Police and Armed Forces have launched an immediate investigation into the attack. Early indications suggest that explosives were deliberately placed inside a parked vehicle, though authorities have not yet disclosed details about the type of device used or any possible suspects.
The Attorney General’s Office and anti-terrorism units are leading the forensic examination of the blast site. Authorities have increased security across Guayaquil and other major Ecuadorian cities, fearing possible coordinated attacks.
Ecuador’s Minister of the Interior condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of violence intended to spread fear among citizens.” The government pledged to bring those responsible to justice and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security amid escalating gang-related violence in the region.
Residents are urged to avoid the Mall del Sol area as the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information on the number of victims and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.