EXPLOSION: Knifeman ‘went on a RAMPAGE’ | Deadly Synagogue Attack in Manchester

LONDON — A deadly terror attack shook Manchester on Thursday morning when a knifeman drove a car into a crowd and launched a stabbing rampage outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

Police confirmed at least two worshippers were killed during the synagogue attack, which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Several others were left in critical condition, and a man believed to be the attacker was shot by armed police at the scene. Authorities said the suspect appeared to be wearing a bulletproof vest and suspected suicide belt, sparking fears of a larger bombing plot.

The incident unfolded in Crumpsall, north Manchester, shortly before 9:30 a.m. Armed response teams and a bomb disposal unit were deployed under Operation Plato, the U.K.’s emergency response protocol for a marauding terrorist attack. Controlled explosions were later reported at the scene as police investigated suspicious items strapped to the suspect.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the attacker attempted to force his way into the synagogue after crashing his vehicle into its gates. A security guard was stabbed and left seriously injured, while congregants scrambled to barricade doors and lead worshippers to safety. Video from the scene shows armed officers shouting warnings — “He has a bomb!” — before firing additional shots when the suspect tried to rise to his feet.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short an overseas trip to Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting, while Mayor Andy Burnham condemned the assault as “a vile attack on the Jewish community on its holiest day.” Synagogues and Jewish schools across the U.K. have since been placed under heightened security.

Community leaders warned this attack was a culmination of rising antisemitism since the events of October 7, citing vandalism, online abuse, and intimidation targeting British Jews. Calls are growing for stronger protections, including 24-hour security at Jewish sites nationwide.

⚠️ This is a developing story. Stay tuned for the latest updates, eyewitness accounts, and official statements as authorities continue to investigate the Manchester synagogue terror attack.