Two men, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, have died following a terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed.
One of the victims is believed to have been accidentally shot by police as officers tried to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue.
Police Statement on Tragic Shooting
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: “His injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
The victim was reportedly behind the synagogue door, close to another person who remains in the hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Victims from Crumpsall
Both men who died were residents of Crumpsall.
Relatives of Melvin Cravitz described him as a “gentle giant” who “would never harm a fly”. His cousin Phil Bentley said his death was particularly tragic as he would not usually have been at the synagogue that early.
Mr Bentley’s wife, Evayne, added: “He didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves this.”
Community Remembers Cravitz and Daulby
Friend and neighbour Hindi Cohen called Mr Cravitz “a lovely man” with a good sense of humour, recalling that he was affectionately known as “uncle Melvin” to local children.
Adrian Daulby was described as “one of the best guys I’ve ever seen” by neighbour Abdul Rahimi, who said he often bought books and toys for children on their street.
GMP Refers to IOPC
GMP has referred the shooting to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The force confirmed additional patrols will be deployed throughout the region, including increased visits to places of worship to reassure local communities.
Chief Superintendent David Meeney said: “People in North Manchester, Bury, Salford, within Jewish communities, and around synagogues can expect to see uniformed officers on patrol… We are conscious of the significance of Fridays and Saturdays in the Jewish faith and will do everything we can to help communities mark Shabbat safely.”
Suspect Named
The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al Shamie is understood to have been granted British citizenship in 2006 after entering the UK as a young child.
Arrests Made
Three other individuals – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been arrested on suspicion of acts of terrorism.
Attack Details
Al Shamie allegedly drove a car toward the synagogue gates before attacking people with a knife during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Police and security staff intervened to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, saving additional lives.
Community Reactions
The attack has shocked the local Jewish community, with many residents expressing fear and grief over the violence.
Police continue to investigate and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Security Measures Heightened
Authorities have increased patrols near synagogues and Jewish sites across the country to ensure public safety in the aftermath of the attack.
