News
Manchester synagogue attack now a confirmed terrorist incident as suspect is named
Danny Jones
A major incident has been declared by GMP and the North West Ambulance Service following a vehicular attack and subsequent stabbing at a synagogue in central Manchester, with UK police now treating the tragedy as terrorism.
At least five were said to have been initially injured during the attack, which took place in Crumpsall just outside the city limits on Thursday morning, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham offering “some assurance that the immediate danger appears to be over.”
The stabbing itself occurred at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue around 9:30am as local members of the Jewish community were celebrating Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the religion’s annual calendar.
It has since been revealed that the suspect – now confirmed to be Jihad al-Shamie, a suspected Islamist terrorist – was shot dead by police officers, and two people have sadly passed away as a result of their wounds. A bomb disposal was also called to the scene after ‘suspicious items’ were found in the vicinity.
Updating the public online, Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9:31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, & 1 man had been stabbed.
“GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9:37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9:38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.”
Operation Plato is a set of measures carried out by the emergency services in response to large-scale incidents in the UK, including cases of suspected.
The statement goes on: “Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9:41am and are tending to members of the public, currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the police continue to deal with the incident.”
A government COBR (COBRA) meeting was quickly called in London later, with footage of local police apprehending the perpetrator behind the car and knife attack at the busy Manchester synagogue also leaking on social media.
Prime Keir Starmer quickly flew back to the UK from Copenhagen (where he was attending the 2025 European Political Community summit) after having been briefed on the situation, and has now visited the synagogue along with his wife, who is also a member of the Jewish faith.
Despite insisting that the “serious situation” was dealt with quickly and “effectively”, Mayor Burnham has also urged people to avoid the area for the time being.
As well as the two confirmed deaths, three other members of the public are still said to be in a critical condition following the deeply troubling attack. In addition to the takedown of the assailant, and now a total of three further arrests have been made.
Council Leader Bev Craig has now spoken publicly on behalf of the city of Manchester, writing: “We are all horrified by this shocking and reprehensible attack on members of Manchester’s Jewish community, on their holiest day.
“Our thoughts are with those who have been killed and seriously injured, their loved ones and with everyone who has been affected by this awful incident. We have been supporting our local community throughout the morning and offer our full support and love.”
“We will be working with GMP, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and our local communities in the hours ahead to offer support and reassurance. Manchester stands with our Jewish community at this darkest of moments, and will come together as a city.”
Royal Family members have also issued an official statement offering support and condolences, as well as thanking the emergency services for their swift action.
Local authorities are now reportedly working with counterterror teams to search nearby houses in the error, and extra police have been dispatched to provide added security at other synagogues around the wider region.
A GMP spokesperson has gone on to add: “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’re 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 one involved in today’s incident, [to] please use the Casualty Bureau information in the first instance.
“I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today’s incident, [to refrain] from circulating them on social media – please do share directly with GMP.”
A police update via BBC News described the attack in Manchester as nothing short of “devastating” and one that leaves a dark mark on what would otherwise have been an important and happy day for Jewish people across the country.
Counter-terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner, Laurence Taylor, told the British public that relevant authorities are mobilising nationwide “and fast” as the investigation progresses.
He also went on to ask civilians to remain vigilant and “be alert to what is happening in your own communities.”
With the two men killed now named as Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, our thoughts go out to their families, friends, and all those affected during this difficult time.
This is a breaking news story. More info to follow…
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Featured Images — David Dixon (via Geograph)/GMP
The Manc -
16th September 2020 
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