The two men killed in the violent incident at a Jewish temple in Manchester have been identified as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, as stated by authorities.
Greater Manchester Police indicated that official confirmation has not yet been completed, but next of kin were informed and support officers are providing assistance.
The victims were killed when an assailant used a vehicle to ram into the grounds of the Heaton Park synagogue, then began attacking attendees during a six-minute rampage that ended only when police with firearms shot at him twice.
Six minutes of terror: the sequence of events at the Manchester synagogue.
Three additional persons were seriously injured in the assault, which took place on the Day of Atonement, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish calendar.
Authorities identified the assailant as al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Greater Manchester Police also disclosed that three other people – two males aged in their thirties and a female in her sixties – had been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
Postmortem examinations of the victims – both of whom are from Crumpsall – are scheduled on Friday afternoon.
Senior detective Lewis Hughes, who is overseeing the casualty response, commented: “Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz at this extremely hard time.”
“Dedicated family support officers are in contact with them. They will provide ongoing updates on the inquiry and guide them through the coroner’s procedures.”
“Although certain protocols must be observed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that the wishes of the deceased and their families are respected.”
The violent act was universally condemned from all political parties, with Keir Starmer describing the assailant a “despicable person” who “targeted Jewish people for their faith, and attacked Britain because of our values”. Political rivals Badenoch and Farage joined others expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.
The incident happened just days before the second anniversary of the October 7th assaults by the militant group in Israel. Police stated that there would be increased protective measures at synagogues and Jewish community centers in the coming days.
The Prime Minister flew back to the UK from a gathering of European leaders in Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after the attack, before addressing the nation from the Prime Minister’s residence.
On Friday early, Greater Manchester police confirmed that extra officers would provide a “high visibility” presence in North Manchester, Bury, and Salford within Jewish communities and around synagogues.
There will additionally be more frequent checks to local places of worship, police added.
