Oldham MP says Manchester synagogue incident is ‘an attack on all of us’

Oldham MP Jim McMahon has described a stabbing at a synagogue in north Manchester as ‘an attack on all of us’.

Two people have been confirmed dead and three seriously injured as a result of the incident, which took place at Heaton Park Hebre Congregation on Middleton Road in Crumpsall this morning (Thursday).

MPs in Greater Manchester have been speaking out about the attack.

Oldham MP McMahon said: “Deeply distressing to see an attack on the Jewish community in Greater Manchester on such an important holy day. It is an attack on all of us.

“The emergency service responders as always run towards danger to keep others safe, and we are hugely grateful to them all.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at 9.31am by a member of the public.

A GMP spokesperson added: “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.”

A statement was issued by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer who said: “The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected.

“I am on my way back to London.

"When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting.

“I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.

“I’ve spoken to Mark Gardner of the CST [Community Security Trust], and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester.

“I want to thank the emergency services for the speed of their response.”

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