Two men killed in Manchester synagogue attack named – as police step up patrols

The two men killed by a terrorist outside a synagogue in Manchester have been named by police.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died in the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday, Greater Manchester Police said.

The force said formal identification is yet to take place but the families have been informed and specially trained liaison officers are in contact. Both victims are from Crumpsall.

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Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who is co-ordinating the casualty response, said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.

“Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones’ wishes are respected.”

Post-mortem examinations will take place later today.

The force said there will be more officers on patrol throughout the region today – and increased visits to places of worship so communities “feel safe and reassured”.

Chief Superintendent David Meeney added: “People in North Manchester, Bury, Salford, within Jewish communities, and around synagogues can expect to see uniformed officers on patrol in vehicles and on foot throughout today, into this evening, and over the weekend.

“They are there to reassure you and, whilst they may not be able to answer questions about the investigation, they will be happy to reassure you about the actions we are taking to ensure communities are safe and feel safe.

“We are conscious of the significance of Fridays and Saturdays in the Jewish faith, and will be doing everything we can to help communities mark Shabbat with their families and friends as they wish.”

On Thursday, the force named the suspect as Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old who is believed to be a British citizen of Syrian descent.

He is understood to have been granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16 years old, having entered the UK as a young child.

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Three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Al Shamie allegedly drove a car towards the gates of the synagogue and then began attacking people with a knife on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day.

He was stopped from getting inside by security staff and members of the congregation. Police shot him dead minutes later, fearing that he was wearing a suicide device.

Three men remain in a serious condition in hospital. One suffered a stab wound, a second was hurt after being hit by the car, and the third has an injury possibly “sustained as officers stopped the attacker”.