Counter-terrorism officers have been granted extended detention warrants to question four people arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts following Thursday’s deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. Two other individuals also remain in custody.
The incident, which took place on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar — left three men seriously injured and claimed the lives of two people. The attacker, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by police after attempting to storm the synagogue armed with a knife. Al-Shamie had been on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack.
Two men, identified as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old worshipper Melvin Cravitz from Crumpsall, were killed while trying to prevent the assailant from entering the synagogue. Both are being hailed as heroes for their actions.
The investigation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW), has resulted in six arrests. Warrants of further detention allow four suspects — two men aged 30 and 32, and two women aged 46 and 61 — to be held for up to five more days. Two additional suspects, a 43-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, also remain in custody.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “Significant resources from across the Counter Terrorism Policing network have been mobilised to establish the full picture into what has happened. Everyone in custody has been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. Inquiries are ongoing.”
Three men remain hospitalised with serious injuries, including a security guard struck by a vehicle and a Community Security Trust (CST) worker suffering stab wounds.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the use of lethal force by GMP firearms officers during the incident, including whether police actions may have contributed to Mr Daulby’s death.
The attack has prompted widespread shock and political reaction. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, visiting the synagogue alongside Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, said Jewish communities “must be given greater security,” warning that some were “leaving to go to Israel” out of fear.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who visited the scene on Friday, urged restraint from those planning demonstrations in Manchester and London this weekend, saying, “This is a moment of mourning. It is not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain.”
Police confirmed that a device found attached to Al-Shamie’s body was a fake. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said the attacker may have been influenced by “extreme Islamist ideology” but was not previously known to counter-terrorism officers.
A minute’s silence will be observed at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s match against Sunderland, with players set to wear black armbands in tribute to the victims.
