The Quiet Heroism of Andrew Franks: A Lesson in Civic Courage

When a terrorist attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Yom Kippur last October, a volunteer security guard named Andrew Franks did not hesitate. Stabbed three times, bleeding profusely, he still managed to trip the assailant and shout a warning that allowed worshippers to barricade themselves inside. For his actions, Franks has been awarded a Pride of Britain Award for Outstanding Bravery. His story, told for the first time in detail, is not merely a tale of individual valour. It is a profound illustration of the civic values that hold our communities together in the face of hatred.

What happened during the Heaton Park synagogue attack?

On the morning of October 2, 2025, Jihad Al-Shamie rammed his car into the gates of the synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. He had already stabbed and killed Melvin Cravitz, 66, outside. Adrian Daulby, 53, was tragically killed by a stray police bullet fired through the doors as officers confronted the attacker. Andrew Franks, a chef from Bury who had volunteered as a security guard for about a year, was covering the shift at the last minute.

Franks had noticed Al-Shamie acting suspiciously earlier, taking photographs of the synagogue from across the road. When the attack began, Franks ran toward the danger. In his own words: 'He stabbed me three times, yelling that he was going to kill me. I shouted,