Joint statement by Greater Manchester Leaders following attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue

Yesterday’s attack on a community at prayer goes against everything we stand for as a city region. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific antisemitic attack, especially the families of those who have died and those injured. We know this is a time of sorrow and fear for our Jewish friends and neighbours. We stand with you as you grieve and offer our full support and love. 

We are thankful for the quick and coordinated response of our emergency services. Greater Manchester Police were at the scene within minutes and our firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and staff from North West Ambulance Service also provided emergency care at the scene. This was an exemplary blue light response. 

We are also grateful to the Community Security Trust, for their volunteers’ quick actions and support at the scene, and for their ongoing work to protect communities. 

This was a cowardly attack on people marking the holiest day of the Jewish year and we know it has left many people feeling afraid. Our councils, emergency services, and community leaders are all working tirelessly to keep us all safe. And our interfaith network has mobilised messages of support and solidarity to our places of worship. 

Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked. Nor will we let acts designed to cause hatred divide us. We’re grateful to all those people from different faiths and communities who are offering support to our Jewish community.  

Our greatest strength as a city region has always been that we know we are stronger together. Now is a time to look out for each other, to check in on each other and to stand together.  

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester

Councillor Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council 

Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of Bury Council

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council

Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council

Paul Dennett, City Mayor, Salford City Council

Councillor Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Executive Leader of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Councillor Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council

Councillor David Molyneux, Leader of Wigan Council

Article Published: 03/10/2025 12:30 PM