Shocking new details have emerged from the official inquest into the death of a man who launched a violent attack on a Manchester synagogue before being shot by armed police.
The hearing revealed the attacker sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the confrontation with specially trained firearms officers who responded to the emergency call.
The Violent Confrontation
According to evidence presented at the inquest, the individual approached the synagogue armed with a metal pole, threatening worshippers and creating a scene of terror in the community. Police were called to the scene following multiple reports of a man behaving aggressively toward the religious building.
Armed response units were dispatched immediately, recognising the potential threat to public safety and the need for specialist intervention.
Police Response and Outcome
Witness statements described how the situation escalated rapidly, with the attacker refusing to comply with police commands to drop his weapon. The inquest heard that officers attempted to de-escalate the situation before resorting to lethal force.
"The armed officers had no alternative but to discharge their weapons when the suspect continued to advance while armed," a police representative stated during the proceedings.
Community Impact
The attack has left Manchester's Jewish community shaken, with local leaders calling for increased security measures around religious buildings. Community representatives have expressed both relief that no worshippers were physically injured and concern about the rising tensions.
Local MP Andrew Western commented: "This was a deeply disturbing incident that has understandably caused significant concern within our community. We must ensure all places of worship remain safe spaces for worshippers."
The inquest continues as investigators work to establish the full sequence of events and the attacker's motivations behind the assault on the synagogue.
