Key Points
- Armed police raided a residence on Central Avenue, Farnworth, Bolton, as part of the investigation into the Manchester synagogue terror attack.
- The attack took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
- The attacker, Jihad Alamie 35, was fatally shot by armed officers after a stabbing and vehicular assault incident.
- Two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz 66 and Adrian Daulby 53, died; four others were injured, with one hospitalised due to a stray police bullet.
- A man and a woman were arrested at the Bolton property; more arrests followed in Manchester and Bolton.
- A grey Fiat Bravo, linked to the investigation, was seized from the scene.
- Counter-terrorism police units led the ongoing probe; multiple scenes across Greater Manchester remain under police watch.
- Community tributes have been paid to the victims as police urge vigilance and unity.
- Police commend the rapid actions of worshippers and security for preventing greater loss.
Armed police stormed a street in Bolton as part of a rapidly escalating investigation into Thursday’s deadly terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue, detaining key suspects and gathering crucial evidence in a bid to forestall further violence.
What events led to the Bolton police raid?
As reported by Chris Slater of Manchester Evening News, on Thursday evening, 2 October 2025, Greater Manchester Police responded to an unfolding terror incident outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall, Manchester. The attacker, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Alamie, was shot dead by police after he drove a car at worshippers before launching a stabbing assault as families gathered for Yom Kippur services.
According to the BBC’s Daniel Sanford, the immediate and coordinated response by security staff and law enforcement contained the situation, though tragedy struck: two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz 66 and Adrian Daulby 53, lost their lives.
What happened during the armed operation on Bolton’s Central Avenue?
In the hours following the attack, anti-terror police, including specialist tactical support units, targeted a property on Central Avenue, Farnworth, in the Bolton area. Doorbell footage reviewed by Manchester Evening News and corroborated by BBC correspondents shows heavily-armed officers arriving just after 9:30 PM on Thursday and making two arrests.
Eyewitnesses described a “large tactical support unit van, three unmarked vehicles, and numerous police vans” swarming the area. A man and a woman were led away in handcuffs. According to a resident,
“There was a man in handcuffs standing at the door, and he was then taken away in a van. About an hour later, a woman was also arrested and led away in cuffs”.
Who are the victims and suspects in the Manchester synagogue attack?
As reported by Mark Goldstone of the BBC, the deceased victims have been named as Melvin Cravitz 66 and Adrian Daulby 53. Mr Daulby tragically died behind the door of the synagogue, apparently struck by a stray police bullet as officers responded under exceptional pressure. Three others remain in hospital; one is understood to have been injured by shrapnel or another police bullet.
The attacker, Jihad Alamie, a British citizen of Syrian origin, was killed at the scene. Greater Manchester Police, according to BBC News at Six, confirmed they quickly established Alamie’s identity but withheld public confirmation as a precaution while the wider investigation continued. At least six people have been detained on suspicion of terrorism-related offences linked to the attack, with arrests spanning both Manchester and Bolton.
What evidence and vehicles have been seized?
During the armed raid in Bolton, officers were seen searching the property for hours through Friday and Saturday, with a grey Fiat Bravo estate vehicle being towed away by police; the vehicle is suspected to be connected to the investigation. Neighbours expressed shock at the scale and speed of the operation, describing a sudden influx of armed police and detectives.
How is the community reacting and what are the authorities saying?
Community members have paid tribute to those lost in the attack and praised the fast actions of worshippers and security personnel, which police say prevented a much larger tragedy. BBC Manchester reported on the outpouring of grief, but also on renewed calls for unity and vigilance after the Yom Kippur violence.
Commander Louise Baxter of Greater Manchester Police issued a statement Friday evening, urging:
“We continue to ask residents for calm and cooperation as counter-terrorism detectives, supported by local officers, pursue every possible line of enquiry. Security has been strengthened at all places of worship across the region”.
What is the status of the investigation and police advice?
The investigation into the attack and its broader context is described as ongoing and intensive. As confirmed by the BBC and Manchester Evening News, counter-terror officers remain at scenes in Crumpsall, central Manchester, and Bolton, where searches and forensics work continue. Two suspects—one man in his thirties and a woman in her sixties—remain in custody on suspicion of preparing, instigating, or commissioning terror activity; further arrests include two others aged 18 and in their mid-forties.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter told Manchester Evening News:
“These arrests and searches are a direct result of ongoing intelligence. Our priority is public safety, and we will remain highly visible in affected areas for the coming days. We urge anyone with information or concerns to contact police without delay”.
How are faith groups and leaders responding?
Faith leaders across Manchester swiftly condemned the attack, calling for calm and solidarity. Rabbi David Bernstein, representing Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, told the BBC:
“This was a sacred occasion shattered by hatred. We are grateful to police and to everyone who stood together in the face of terror. Our hearts are with the victims’ families.”
What comes next for the investigation?
As armed and counter-terrorism units maintain their presence, the investigation is expected to broaden to uncover any links to wider networks or potential future threats. Forensic teams continue their work at multiple scenes, and police urge patience as updates are provided. Community leaders and authorities alike emphasise the importance of resilience, interfaith support, and accurate information as the city mourns and recovers.