In a statement, the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: "It's a serious incident, I am telling people to avoid the area because it's a serious incident but at the same time I can give some reassurance that the immediate danger appears to be over and GMP have dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public and security at the location.
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"The situation has been dealt with very effectively by GMP and those on-site."
The CST said that they were “working with police and the local Jewish community. This appears to be an appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year. We thank the GMP officers and synagogue security who responded immediately to deal with the incident.”
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who left an European leaders summit in Denmark to fly back to the UK and attend a Cobra meeting, said that he was “appalled” by the attack, adding: “My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
Manchester police declared “Operation Plato”, the national signifier response to a “marauding terrorist attack”, but speaking to The JC, a spokesperson for Manchester Police refused to confirm that the force was treating it as a terror attack.
The Prime Minister said that additional police officers were being deployed to synagogues around the country.
In a statement posted to X, Manchester Jewish Representative Council wrote: “Today, on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – our community’s worst fears came true when a terrorist attacked congregants as they entered the Heaton Park Synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester.
“This horrendous attack is the culmination of two years of constant Jew hatred targeting our community by those who wish to attack us because of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. It is an event that every Jewish person in the UK has feared.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those members of our community who have been injured in this attack and we will provide them and their families with all the support they require.
“We want to thank GMP, CST and the other emergency services for their swift response and to the Government for their messages of support.”
Manchester Reform Synagogue has cancelled their Yom Kippur services following the attack.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a statement that she was “horrified” by the attack.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “horrified by the violent attack” at the synagogue and sought to reassure Londoners that the Met Police would be increasing patrols in Jewish communities and outside synagogues across London.
He added: "My thoughts are with all those affected on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. London stands ready to help in any way we can.”
This is a developing story.
Emergency services at the scene of an incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where police have shot a suspect after several people were stabbed and a car was driven at members of the public. Picture date: Thursday October 2, 2025.Alamy Stock Photo