Eyewitnesses describe chaos as attacker drove into crowds and tried to storm synagogue

Eyewitnesses have described scenes of terror and confusion after a car and knife attack outside a Manchester synagogue left two people dead and three others injured. Police shot the suspect dead at the scene during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police said the assailant, named as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, deliberately drove into pedestrians in the Crumpsall area before attempting to storm the synagogue. Armed officers opened fire after he ignored repeated warnings.

A delivery driver, Gareth, told BBC Radio Manchester that at first he thought he had come across a traffic accident. “We just thought it was a normal collision, but when we got a bit closer we saw a guy bleeding on the floor. Then somebody shouted he’s in the synagogue. The man had a knife and was stabbing the window, trying to get in. Police arrived within seconds. They gave him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen, so they opened fire.”

Another witness, Shah, who lives behind the synagogue, said he saw a car speeding toward pedestrians. “After that a man jumped out with a knife and just started going on a rampage. It was terrifying. I slowed down to call emergency services — it was traumatising to watch.”

Inside the synagogue, hundreds were worshipping for Yom Kippur. Police immediately locked down the building until the area was secured. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading prayers, was praised for his calm leadership as he guided congregants to safety. One worshipper described him and others as “true heroes.”

Local resident Olivia Gold said the timing of the attack made it even more distressing. “It would have been very busy,” she told reporters. “I live around the corner. It’s horrendous. We’re a quiet community, just leave us alone. We don’t want any of this. The police response was brilliant — they got here really quickly.”

Chava Lewin, who lives next door to the synagogue, recalled hearing what she thought was a firework. “The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue courtyard. Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock.”

Social media footage captured armed officers confronting the suspect outside the synagogue. Video showed him on the ground before trying to rise again, at which point gunshots were heard and he fell. Another body was seen nearby, lying motionless by the synagogue gates.

Police initially feared the attacker was wearing an explosive vest. A bomb disposal unit was deployed, but officers later confirmed the device was not viable. Nearby roads were cordoned off as a precaution, and other synagogues in the area were placed under lockdown for safety.

In local shops and homes, the mood was sombre. A worker in a nearby store said, “At first there was a lot of confusion and misinformation. Since then people have just stayed indoors. The Jewish community here is shaken — this will affect everyone.”

The attack has left Manchester’s Jewish community reeling, with many residents describing the violence as unlike anything they had ever seen. Police have promised visible patrols and increased protection around places of worship in the days ahead.

The investigation is ongoing, but officers confirmed they believe the attacker acted alone.