Sir Keir Starmer says Britain must defeat a rising wave of antisemitism and promises Jewish people he will ensure the country is a place “where you and your family are safe, secure and belong”.
Friday 3 October 2025 01:12, UK
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The terrorist who killed two men outside a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar is believed to be a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Greater Manchester Police have named the suspect as Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old who is understood to have entered the UK as a young child. He was granted British citizenship in 2006.
Three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
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Al Shamie allegedly drove a car towards the gates of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and then began attacking people with a knife.
He was stopped from getting inside by security staff and members of the congregation. Police shot him dead minutes later, fearing that he was wearing a suicide device.
Three men remain in a serious condition in hospital. One suffered a stab wound, a second was hurt after being hit by the car, and the third has an injury possibly “sustained as officers stopped the attacker”.
Detectives were still at two locations linked to the arrests on last night: White House Avenue in Crumpsall, and Langley Crescent in Prestwich.
The attack happened on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, and police patrols are now being stepped up near synagogues around the country.
“The second he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone near him,” witness Chava Lewin said.
“He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue.”
Police said it appeared al Shamie hadn’t been flagged up via the Prevent anti-terror and de-radicalisation programme.
The prime minister condemned the “horrific incident” and apologised to Jewish people “on behalf of the nation”.
The first calls were received at 9.31am and minutes later “Plato” was declared – the codeword used by emergency services for a “marauding terror attack”.
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‘He’s trying to press a button’
Video showed police pointing guns at the attacker as another person lies bloodied and motionless near the synagogue’s gates.
“He’s trying to press a button,” says the man filming. “Shoot him!”
As the attacker tries to get to his feet, a single shot is heard. Police said he was killed seven minutes after the first emergency call.
Bomb disposal experts later probed the body and a SAS helicopter flew nearby – but the object worn by the attacker was judged to be “not viable”.
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Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said there were a lot of people inside the synagogue when the attacker struck.
“Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access,” he said.
Read more:
Witnesses describe how attack unfolded
What we know about synagogue attack
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who returned early from a meeting in Denmark, said Britain must defeat rising anti-Jewish hate.
“I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears,” said Sir Keir.
“Nobody should have to do that. Nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.”
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year.
It is a solemn day of observance and atonement, and marks the peak of the High Holidays.
It comes after Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, with both occasions bookmarking the Ten Days of Repentance.
Jews observe Yom Kippur by prayer and fasting from sunset the day before to the sunset of the day itself.
No work is permitted, and for some, the day is spent at a synagogue.
The occasion falls on the 10th day of Tishrei – a Hebrew month between late September and early October.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood visited the area, and said the government would do “whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe”.
Members of the Royal Family also reacted to the attack.
The King said he and the Queen were “deeply shocked and saddened”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services,” said the monarch.
The Prince and Princess of Wales said their thoughts were “with the victims and the families”.
