UK
Police shot killer as he was trying to break into Manchester synagogue, says eyewitness
Police were forced to shoot the attacker twice, says delivery driver
October 2, 2025 12:11
Police were forced to shoot the attacker twice, says delivery driver
October 2, 2025 12:11An eyewitness of the horrific attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur has told reporters that he watched the killer trying to break into the shul using his knife before police fired at him.
Speaking to the BBC, the eyewitness, a delivery driver, said: “We we doing our normal delivery and we were held back in some traffic. As we got closer we could see a car had crashed.
"We thought it was a normal collision. We then saw a person bleeding on the floor, unconscious, presumably dead. “There was a guy in front of the car, lying on the floor.
“Then someone shouted, ‘He’s in the synagogue’, and as we looked over, [the attacker] had a knife, he was trying to stab the window to get in.
Police warned him twice, he didn’t listen, so they shot him. He went down on the floor after the first shot and got up so they shot him again.”
Police confirmed that two people were killed and two more injured in the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation at around 9.30 this morning. One of those dead is reported to have been a security guard.
In a statement just before midday, Greater Manchester Police also confirmed that the suspect was shot dead by armed police.
King Charles has commented on the attack, saying he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked”.
In a statement, the King said: “My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Today we have witnessed a vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day. We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe. We stand with GM’s Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them.”
The Embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom has also condemned the attack. In a statement it said: “The Embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom condemns the attack carried out today on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.
“That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.”
It paid tribute to the Greater Manchester Police “for their swift response”, adding: “The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.”
The embassy stated that the “thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
The is a developing story.
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