TWO men who tragically died after a rampage at a synagogue have been named – as four people remain in hospital.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitzwas, 66, were killed in the horror that unfolded outside Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester at around 9.30am on Thursday.
facebookA suspected knifeman who was shot dead by cops after unleashing a ‘terror’ rampage which left two dead[/caption]
PAArmed police officers at the scene of an incident[/caption]
GettyMembers of the military were also called in[/caption]
ReutersFlowers lie at the scene after the horror yesterday[/caption]
Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.
“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them.
“They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process.
“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.”
Home Office post-mortems will take place later today, a statement from Greater Manchester Police confirmed this morning.
What we know so far…
Two people have been killed in an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester and four others are seriously injured
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitzwas, 66, have been named as those who died
A witness said a car was driven towards members of the public and a man had been stabbed
Counter-terror police have confirmed the attack is being treated as a terror incident
The suspect was shot dead at 9.38am yesterday by armed police
A controlled explosion was heard at the police cordon
The force confirmed the man believed to be the offender was wearing a vest which had the “appearance of an explosive device”.
He was shot dead by firearms officers at 9.38am. He did not manage to enter the building.
Shocking aftermath pictures revealed what is believed to be a bomb belt and a knife near the attacker.
However, cops have now revealed that the device the suspect was wearing was “not viable”.
Operation Plato – cops’ response to marauding terrorist attacks – was stood down, but it remains a major incident.
Police named the attacker shot dead as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been arrested.
The trio are being held on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
Police confirmed that the attack was declared a terrorist incident and an investigation into the horror is being led by Counter Terrorist Officers.
The devastation began shortly after 9am yesterday, as cops scrambled to the scene in Crumpsall, north of Manchester, where eyewitnesses said a car was “driving erratically” before crashing into the building’s gates.
One bystander said: “The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue.”
Another witness said: “The guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in.”
A white lorry marked ‘Bomb Disposal’ earlier arrived at the scene and went behind the cordon outside the synagogue.
A “loud bang” was heard, which police have confirmed was from specialist officers gaining entry to the suspect’s vehicle “as a precaution”.
In video shared on social media, an onlooker could be heard saying that the suspect “has got a bomb on him” and appeared to be trying to press a button to detonate it.
“He’s going to blow himself up, he’s trying to press the button,” the person is heard to say – before there a gunshot rings out and the suspect falls to the ground.
Those inside the building barricaded the doors.
PATwo people were killed and four remain in serious condition in hospital[/caption]
ReutersThe body of a man, believed to be the attacker on the ground at the scene[/caption]
Armed cops shot the suspect after the attack outside a synagogue
An eyewitness said prayers had started when the horror unfolded but Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading the service, remained calm and led the congregation to safety with the help of others.
The man added: “They are true heroes.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer – who flew from Denmark early to chair Cobra – announced that security is being stepped up at every synagogue across the country.
Starmer said: “The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected.
“I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting.
“I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.”
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism.
Large numbers of Jewish people attend synagogues and fast on this day.
The King said in a statement: “My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said at a press conference: “Our priority is to keep the public safe.
“I want to share my gratitude to all of those members of the public who called the police as soon as they saw what was happening.
“This allowed the quick response from our officers, who were able to act swiftly and bravely to bring this horrendous attack to an end.”
“There will be lots of questions that people would like answers to and quickly, but please understand that some of this will take time,” he added.
“What I can say is that the highly visible response to these dreadful incidents will be sustained as we work to understand the full circumstances of what has happened.”
He urged anyone with information to come forward.
ReutersThe knife used in the tragic attack[/caption]
ReutersA device that was strapped to the suspected attacker[/caption]
The suspect was shot outside Heaton Park synagogue Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
