Mersey Reporter - Merseybites News

A 'Major Incident' has been seclared, after an incident at:- Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on:- Middleton Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, at around:- 9:30 am, on:- Thursday, 2 October 2025.

It has been reported that a car had been driven towards members of the public and multiple people had been stabbed. It was also reported that a:- "loud noise" after a controlled explosion has taken place at the scene as specialist resources gained entry to the suspect's vehicle as a precaution.

Due to the nature of the incident and the potential number of casualties, yje North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) declared a major incident and dispatched a large number of ambulances and specialist resources to the scene, including:- the Hazardous Area Response Team, Air Ambulance, Doctors, advanced paramedics, and operational commanders. Both the Bomb Disposal Unit and Armed Police are attending the incident, It is also being reported in unconfirmed reports that an SAS helicopter, dubbed:- "Blue Thunder," has been seen flying over the scene in Crumpsall.

We are told that the Police cordon remains in place.

Greater Manchester Police have confirm that 3 people have died, including the offender, who was shot by GMP Firearms Officers. We are told that 3 others are in a serious condition. A corden remains in place and the area has been evacuated as the police investigation takes place. Witness are also reported to have told the media that they have seen 2 males in handcuffs on a residential street being led away by Police, but Greater Manchester Police have not confirmed any arrests linked to the incident.

Greater Manchester Police have issued the following wpdate in relation to ongoing major incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, at:- 12:40 pm, on 2 October 2025. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson has told the media:- "We know today's horrifying attack, on the Jewish community's holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities. We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue. We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed. We will continue to provide updates as we can, but I would ask anyone who believes they may have a loved 1 involved in today's incident, please use the Casualty Bureau information in the 1st instance. I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today's incident, refrains from circulating them on social media; please do share directly with GMP. Casualty Bureau online portal lines opened at:- 12.30 pm. If you are worried about family or friends who may be involved in today's incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Middleton Road, Crumpsall, you can call the Casualty Bureau on:- 08000560154, or complete the online form on the Public Portal. If you were involved in today's incident and are safe, please make a report online. If you are safe please also let friends and family know. This will assist with information assessment and relieve pressure on Casualty Bureau who may receive a high volume of contact from the public. If you have any other information that may assist the Police investigation or took photos or videos of the incident, please contact us on the same, above details. Casualty Bureau is to report someone believed to be involved in the incident, to cancel someone previously reported, or to provide any offers of assistance or information in relation to the incident. We cannot provide any information to you about the incident. Casualty Bureau is not for general enquiries. Call:- 999 in an emergency only."

NWAS spokesperson has said:- "Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust dispatched resources to the scene. We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible."

Keir Starmer, who was on the way to Brussels to join a gathering of European Union leaders when the incident took place and is on the way back to the UK. He told in a statment journalists:- "I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders. This morning's attack is absolutely shocking. I'm on my way back to London to chair an emergency meeting, and additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country. We will do everything we can to keep our Jewish community safe."

Buckingham Palace has just put out a statement on behalf of the King. "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."

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has said:- "Today we have witnessed a vile attack on our Jewish community on this holiest day. We condemn whoever is responsinle and will do everthing within our power to keep people safe. We stand with Greater Manchester's Jewish community at this time and will work though the day to support the."

The Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram has also issued the following statment:- "I'm appalled by today's attack at a Manchester synagogue, on the holiest day in the Jewish calender. The thoughts of the who Liverpool City Region are with all those affected and their loved ones."

In a statement published by the Israel's embassy in the UK, it says:- "We are in close contact with the Manchester Jewish community, British authorities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to monitor developments and ensure that the necessary support is provided. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time."

Call Samaritans for free on:- 116123 or chat online via the chaittis website:-Samaritans.Org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mimd/Org.UK who also offer a support line on:- 03001021234, Monday to Friday, from:- 9am to 6pm, exluding bank holidays.

Updates are being issued by Greater Manchester Police on:- X (Twitter)

Events in the Liverpool City Region:-