A statement from Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor (02.10.2025) on the declaration of a terrorist incident in Manchester.
“This morning, an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall, Manchester.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor delivering statement (02.10.2025)
“Two people have died. And the attacker has been shot dead by police. We believe we know their identity but for safety reasons at the scene, we are unable to confirm at this stage. Three other members of the public are in a serious condition.
“Two arrests have been made.
“Based on what we know, Counter Terrorism Policing has declared this as a terrorist incident.
“Our specialist teams are now leading the investigation into what happened at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and working closely with Greater Manchester Police.
“As we do this, those who have been killed and injured are at the forefront of our minds. As are their families, friends and all of those who love them.
“An attack on our Jewish community, today, on Yom Kippur, is devastating. Communities across the UK who would normally be marking this holy day, are now grieving, and worried about their safety.
“I want to be clear, UK policing is mobilising. And is mobilising fast.
“Police forces are stepping up patrols across the country, at synagogues and Jewish sites and more widely to provide reassurance to all communities who are affected. At Counter Terrorism Policing we are deploying all of our capabilities in response to what has happened, and we have resources from across our network involved.
“We will ensure every piece of intelligence and line of enquiry is interrogated.
“We are also working with the security services to ensure we have a full intelligence picture in the coming hours, days and weeks.
“Following events in Crumpsall today, I would also like to ask the public to remain vigilant.
“Please report anything that doesn’t feel right to police and be alert to what is happening in your own communities.”