Stockport leaders respond to Heaton Park synagogue attack

Following yesterday’s (2nd October) attack outside the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall, political leaders from across Stockport have expressed their sympathy and support for the local community.

Stockport Council Leader, Cllr Mark Roberts, who is also Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, and other Group Leaders, Cllr Christine Carrigan, Leader of the Opposition and Labour Group, Cllr Matt Wynne, Leader of the Stockport Community Group, Cllr Anna Charles-Jones, Leader of the Independent Ratepayers Group, Cllr Gary Lawson, Leader of the Green Party Group, and Cllr Joe Barratt, Leader of the Bredbury and Woodley Independents Group, have issued a joint statement in response to the attack:

“We are appalled by the tragic attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester this morning.

“Our deepest thoughts are with those who have lost their lives, those who have been injured, their families, and with Greater Manchester’s Jewish community at this deeply distressing time. We are particularly mindful that this incident occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, which will add to the anxiety and grief felt by many.

“We want to thank Greater Manchester Police and the emergency services for their swift response. We know they are working hard to keep people safe in extremely challenging circumstances.

“While the investigation continues, we urge everyone to avoid speculation, and to please follow the latest updates and advice from GMP. We understand that incidents like this can cause real concern. At this stage, there is no indication of any wider risk to the public. Over the coming days you may notice an increased police presence, which is there to offer reassurance. We would encourage everyone to remain vigilant, and if you see anything that causes concern, please report it directly to GMP.

“Stockport will stand firm with the rest of Greater Manchester to ensure that whilst we remain vigilant, we also remain united in resilience, compassion and community solidarity at this awful time.”

The borough’s three MPs have also issued statements, expressing their feelings following the attack.

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said:

“I am horrified by the news from Crumpsall this morning and I am deeply saddened to hear that people have lost their lives.

“Yom Kippur should be a time for reflection, growth and coming together as a community; my thoughts are with all Jewish people in Manchester and across the country on this holy day.

“I want to thank Greater Manchester Police and first responders for their swift action. Greater Manchester must stand together against violence.”

Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle, said:

“I am utterly shocked and heartbroken by the news of the stabbing at the synagogue in Crumpsall today. On this most sacred of days, Yom Kippur, when Jewish people around the world turn inward for reflection, repentance and prayer, to have violence intrude into a place of worship is an affront to everything we hold sacred.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families. My heart goes out to the Jewish community in Manchester and beyond; to every worshipper, every leader, every child, every elder in fear and sorrow this evening. No one should ever feel unsafe in their house of prayer.

“I want to express my profound gratitude to the emergency services; Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and all front line teams – for their swift response, bravery and professionalism this terrible situation. Your courage in the face of danger is humbling.

“I have been both in contact with the police and Stockport Council to ensure that Cheadle’s Jewish community has all the support and protection it needs to feel safe. I will continue to do everything I can to stand with them and make sure their security and wellbeing are given the highest priority.”

Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, said:

“I am horrified and appalled by the hideous attack outside the Heaton Park synagogue.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families, our emergency services and our Jewish community in Greater Manchester and beyond.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has also issued a statement:

“On behalf of everybody in Greater Manchester, I would like to thank the Home Secretary for coming here immediately to provide reassurance to our communities and support to Greater Manchester Police.

“To the Chief Constable and all of his staff, we cannot thank you enough for being on the scene within minutes. 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.

“They were supported at the scene by volunteers from the Community Security Trust and it is an organisation that we owe a huge debt of thanks to. They work to keep our communities safe.

“Tonight, our first thoughts are with the families of those who have died, those injured and those traumatised by this – a horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours. We condemn it outright.

“Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked.

“We ask everyone to show solidarity to the Jewish community. Already, we have mobilised through our interfaith network messages of support and solidarity to our places of worship.

“We will always stand together here in Greater Manchester and we will never let acts designed to cause hatred and division in our communities succeed.

“Our message to everyone across Greater Manchester is:

“Do not let them succeed. Respond by reaching out, by redoubling efforts to work together and stand together in these difficult times.”

Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) also echoed the Mayor’s sentiments in a message on behalf of GMCA, GMFRS and TfGM staff. She said:

“To the people sadly killed and injured in the attack, their loved ones, residents of the local areas close by, Jewish people across our city region and beyond, and anyone hurting from this attack.  

“We stand together against all forms of hatred and racism and will continue to do so. 

“Yesterday’s events were deeply traumatic for our Jewish residents. The impacts will run deep and long. Greater Manchester is here for you. By coming together as one we have got through dark days here before. The past 24 hours have shown once again we will always stand together here and never let hate or division succeed.“