Police name Manchester synagogue attacker shot dead this morning as British citizen of Syrian descent who came to UK in 2006

THE Manchester synagogue attacker was born in Syria and came to the UK 19 years ago, the Home Office has confirmed. British citizen of Syrian descent.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it believes the man is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.

The Home Office added: "He entered the UK as a very young child, and was granted British citizenship in 2006 as a minor."

The investigation into the attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in north Manchester this morning continues.

A GMP spokesman said: "We can confirm that three suspects are currently in custody and have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. They are two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s."

Scenes remain in place on White House Avenue, Crumpsall, where two men were arrested and Langley Crescent, Prestwich, which is also linked to the arrests.

The spokesman added: "A suspicious device worn by the attacker during the incident has been assessed and was deemed not to be viable.

"Based on what we currently know, our records do not show any previous Prevent referrals relating to this individual.

"We are working to understand the motivation behind the attack as the investigation continues."

Two innocent men were sadly pronounced dead following the incident.

Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries. One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the car involved in the attack.

The third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.

The force is looking to formally identify those who have tragically been killed and provide support to their loved ones, in addition to the injured and the wider community.

The attacks were officially declared a terrorist incident and two other people were arrested.

Events unfolded today, Thursday October 2 2025, when police were called to the synagogue in 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, and one man had been stabbed.

Firearms officers were deployed at 9.34am as police continued to receive further reports from members of the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) declared a major incident at 9.37am.

Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man, believed to be the offender, was shot.

GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson (below) said: "First and foremost, my thoughts, and those of my officers and staff, are with the families of the loved ones who have been affected by today’s horrific incident, on what is the Jewish community’s holiest day: Yom Kippur.

"This has been officially declared as a terrorist incident, and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Police. As has been confirmed by CT policing, we believe that the identity of the offender has been established but until we are certain of this fact, it is premature to set out this detail. In addition, I can confirm that two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident and enquiries are ongoing.

"We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack. Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers, within seven minutes of the initial call.

"Four further people remain in hospital, having suffered a variety of serious injuries and their treatment is ongoing and our thoughts remain with them at this time.

"Enquiries are moving at pace, and very visible and proactive policing activity is ongoing across Greater Manchester and beyond. Updates will be provided as soon as possible. Our priority is to keep the public safe.

"At this time, we know that a car was driven directly at members of the public, outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall in Manchester. The driver of the car, was seen to then attack people with a knife. He was wearing about his body a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device.

"There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack, but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and worshippers inside, and the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access. All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises.

"Yom Kippur is a day where we see our Jewish community attending their places of worship – places where they and their families should feel entirely safe from harm.

"I want to share my gratitude to all the members of the public who called the police as soon as they saw what was happening – this allowed the quick response from our officers, who were able to act swiftly and bravely to bring this horrendous attack to an end.

"I also want to thank our partners from the other emergency services, local authorities and the health service, who have provided their ongoing support to us throughout the day, and will continue to do, over the coming days.

"I know today’s horrific events will have a significant impact on all our communities, not only in Greater Manchester, but across our country.

"There will be a lot of questions that people would like the answers to, and quickly, but please understand that some of this will take time. What I can say, is that the highly visible response to these dreadful events will be sustained as we work to understand the full circumstances of what has happened.

"I know you will all join me in keeping those directly affected by what has happened, in our thoughts and prayers. There are grieving families and communities at the heart of this in Greater Manchester and beyond. I would therefore ask that people refrain from sharing disturbing and insensitive content online. If you have information share it with the police.

"We stand with all those affected and will continue to do everything in our power to keep our communities safe."

The moment armed police shot the suspected suicide was captured by a passerby on a video that has been shared on social media.

The bomb disposal unit was called to the scene.

Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 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 large number of people worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the incident, were held inside while the immediate area was made safe but have since been evacuated.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “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 one involved in today’s incident, 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, refrains from circulating them on social media – please do share directly with GMP.

Casualty Bureau online portal lines now open at 12.30pm.

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 0800 056 0154 or complete the online form here: 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.