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Manchester Synagogue Attack: Police Probe Likely Friendly‑Fire Death as Six Held in Terror Inquiry

Investigators are examining whether police fire killed a victim in a case now treated as terrorism.

Overview

  • Authorities say the attacker used a car and a knife outside Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur before being shot dead by police, leaving two worshippers dead and several seriously injured.
  • Greater Manchester Police indicated one victim was likely killed by a police bullet, and an oversight investigation by the IOPC has been requested.
  • The suspect was identified as a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin who was on bail over an alleged rape and is believed to have been influenced by extremist Islamist ideology; his vest was a decoy device.
  • Six people are in custody on suspicion of committing, preparing or encouraging terrorist acts as the investigation widens.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the scene and pledged increased protection for Jewish communities, while London police reported 442 arrests at a Trafalgar Square protest that went ahead despite calls to postpone.