The bombing

Manchester: attack on synagogue on Yom Kippur day. Three dead including the attacker

The person responsible for stabbing and attempting to run over four people with his car was shot on the spot by armed officers who intervened within minutes. Two alleged accomplices arrested

2 October 2025Aggiornato il 2 ottobre alle ore 19:40

4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Two people killed, stabbed and run over by the car driven by a lone attacker who was then shot down by two policemen. This is the toll of the attack carried out on Yom Kippur day in front of the Orthodox synagogue in Manchester, in the north of England, where a large number of worshippers were praying. The person responsible for the terrorist attack has been identified by the police as 'Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian origin', the police announced in a statement on Thursday evening. "Based on the information currently in our possession, our records do not show any previous reports relating to this individual under the 'Prevent' counter-terrorism programme."

The dynamics

"A large number of worshippers were praying in the synagogue at the time of the incident," the investigators emphasised. They remained locked inside until the area was "made safe again". After that "everyone was evacuated".

Two people have been arrested as part of the investigation into the Manchester synagogue attack, as suspected accomplices of the attacker killed at the scene by police. This was said in an investigative update by Laurence Taylor, number two of the UK Counter-Terrorism Unit, which is officially involved in the investigation alongside the Greater Manchester Police. The attacker has reportedly been identified, but his name remains confidential for now. The official added that garrisons have already been reinforced to protect all synagogues and prominent Jewish sites in the Kingdom.

The attacker allegedly had an explosive belt on him: a suspicion that has not yet been officially confirmed, but which has led investigators to call in the bomb disposal squad with a truck to neutralise potential explosive devices. The suspect appears in a video as a bald man with a beard, wearing a training outfit and with some white envelopes hanging from his belt.

King Charles said today that he and the Queen are "deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible attack in Manchester, which occurred especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community". The Guardian reports.

"My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible attack in Manchester, which occurred especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community," said the British monarch.

Regno Unito, accoltellamento vicino a una sinagoga di Manchester: 4 feriti

"Our thoughts and prayers," he continued, "are with all those who have been affected by this horrendous incident, and we appreciate immensely the rapid response of the emergency services.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called this morning's attack 'absolutely shocking'.

The head of the London government decided to return early from Copenhagen, where he was attending the European Political Community meeting, in order to chair an emergency meeting of the Cobra committee on the incident. Starmer announced the tightening of security measures in Britain's synagogues after the attack in Manchester. "Additional police resources will be deployed in synagogues across the country and we will do everything we can to ensure the safety of our Jewish community," Starmer said, confirming on 'X' that he was returning to London from Copenhagen, where he was attending a meeting of European leaders.

"Upon my arrival, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I can already announce that additional police resources will be deployed to synagogues across the country and we will do all we can to ensure the safety of our Jewish community. I have spoken to Mark Gardner of the Cst (Community Security Trust) and Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester. I want to thank the emergency services for their quick response," Starmer wrote.

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. pic.twitter.com/bNUfGbWwfq
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2025

There were also numerous reactions and comments from the European side, unanimous in condemning the attack and all forms of anti-Semitism, from Italy with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, to France with President Macron, to the leaders of EU institutions.

"The Embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom condemns the attack perpetrated today, Yom Kippur Day, on the synagogue of the Jewish Congregation of Heaton Park in Manchester. It is repugnant and deeply shocking that such an act of violence was committed on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community gathering'. This was stated in a post published by the diplomatic office on social X. "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 Embassy added.

Sa'ar: British authorities allowed anti-Semitism

"I am appalled by the attack that took place near the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, on the morning of the holiest day for the Jewish people, Yom Kippur. The truth must be told: the British authorities failed to take the necessary measures to stem this toxic wave of anti-Semitism and in fact allowed it to persist. Rampant incitement to anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism, as well as calls for support for terrorism, have become a widespread phenomenon on the streets of London, in Britain and on its campuses'. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar writes this on X.

Netanyahu: 'Weakness leads to terrorism'

"Israel mourns together with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terrorist attack in Manchester. Our hearts are with the families of the victims and we pray for a speedy recovery of the injured. As I warned at the United Nations: weakness in the face of terrorism only leads to more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it'. This was stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in a note released by his office.