A peaceful evening in the Manchester suburb of Crumpsall was shattered by a terrifying knife attack that targeted worshippers outside a synagogue, leaving multiple victims with life-threatening injuries.
Chaos Erupts Outside Place of Worship
Emergency services descended upon Bury New Road shortly before 10pm on Thursday night following reports of a violent assault. Witnesses described scenes of panic as a knifeman launched a frenzied attack on individuals gathered near the synagogue.
Armed police and multiple ambulance crews rushed to the scene, where they discovered several victims with serious stab wounds. Paramedics provided emergency treatment at the location before rushing the injured to major trauma centres across Greater Manchester.
Counter-Terror Police Take Charge
North West Counter Terrorism Police have confirmed they are leading the investigation, treating the incident as a potential terror attack. Senior officers have established a significant cordon around the area as forensic teams work to gather evidence.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts addressed the media in an overnight statement, confirming: "We can confirm that a number of people have been injured and are being treated in hospital. The circumstances of this incident are being investigated and we are keeping an open mind as to the motivation."
Community in Shock
The attack has sent shockwaves through Manchester's Jewish community and the wider Crumpsall area. Local residents expressed their horror at the violence that unfolded in what is typically a quiet residential neighbourhood.
Community leaders have called for calm while police continue their investigations. Security around religious buildings across Greater Manchester has been heightened as a precautionary measure.
Police remain at the scene this morning, with the investigation expected to continue throughout the day. Anyone with information is urged to contact the counter-terrorism hotline immediately.
