Police believe the suspect of the terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester may have been influenced “by extreme Islamist ideology”.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police within minutes of launching a car and stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.
In an update on Friday evening, head of counter terrorism policing Laurence Taylor said: “We believe Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. Establishing the full circumstances of the attack is likely to take some time.”
Three additional people have been arrested, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s, bringing the number of people in custody arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed while preventing Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue. Three others remain in hospital after being injured in the car and stabbing attack.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation after it emerged one of the killed victims was shot by police.
Key Points
- Three more arrested in connection with attack
- One of victims killed in attack believed to have been shot by police, GMP says
- David Lammy heckled and booed at vigil
- Chief Rabbi names two victims injured in terror attack
- Met Police call for Saturday's pro-Palestine action protest to be cancelled
- Family of attack suspect condemn 'heinous act'
Police share details of attack and suspect Jihad Al-Shamie
05:00
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Joe Middleton
Police have shared more information about the suspect and the attack, but have stressed the investigation is still in its early stages.
“We have been told from witness accounts that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security and walked away, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said.
“Based on the information we have at this time, we don’t believe this was reported to Greater Manchester Police because the man had left the area.
“Around 15 minutes later, the individual returned in a vehicle and began his horrific attack.
“There were a large number of worshippers in attendance but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers and the fast action of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.
“Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, sadly died. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.
“We believe the suspect, who died at the scene, was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. A suspicious device that was attached to his torso was assessed and we can confirm it was a fake.
“Based on some fast time assessments conducted on our systems, this individual does not appear to be known to Counter Terrorism Policing, however he does have a non-CT related criminal history. This includes a recent arrest for rape, which resulted in him being bailed.”
Independent View: Freedom, tolerance and respect are all British values
04:00
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Athena Stavrou
Neighbours describe suspect’s quiet life in Prestwich
04:00
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Joe Middleton
Police activity has been focused on Langley Crescent in Prestwich, around two miles from the site of the attack that left two people dead and three injured.
Neighbours of Jihad Al-Shamie, the suspect named in the Manchester synagogue terror attack, told the Manchester Evening News that he lived on the street with a family member.
Simon Barlass, 56, said he often saw Al-Shamie “bench pressing in the garden” and using nearby shops. He claimed he had also noticed a car parked on the street in recent days that matched footage of the vehicle used in the attack.
Another neighbour told the Telegraph that Al-Shamie had lived there for about a decade, appearing to have no wife or children.
“He never seemed to speak to anyone,” she said, describing him as muscular and often seen walking in pyjamas and sandals, carrying shopping bags.
Watch: David Lammy heckled at Manchester synagogue vigil speech
03:00
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Athena Stavrou
Family of synagogue attacker condemn ‘heinous act’
02:00
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Athena Stavrou
The family of the terrorist who attacked people at a synagogue have expressed their “deep shock and sorrow” and said they strongly condemn the “heinous act”.
In a post on Facebook apparently from the attacker’s family, relatives said: “The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.
“The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.
“We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.
“We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.
“May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
The statement was signed by Faraj Al-Shamie, on behalf of the Al-Shamie Family.
Neighbours describe suspect’s quiet life in Prestwich
01:00
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Athena Stavrou
Police activity has been focused on Langley Crescent in Prestwich, around two miles from the site of the attack that left two people dead and three injured.
Neighbours of Jihad Al-Shamie, the suspect named in the Manchester synagogue terror attack, told the Manchester Evening News that he lived on the street with a family member.
Simon Barlass, 56, said he often saw Al-Shamie “bench pressing in the garden” and using nearby shops. He claimed he had also noticed a car parked on the street in recent days that matched footage of the vehicle used in the attack.
Another neighbour told the Telegraph that Al-Shamie had lived there for about a decade, appearing to have no wife or children.
“He never seemed to speak to anyone,” she said, describing him as muscular and often seen walking in pyjamas and sandals, carrying shopping bags.
‘They won’t divide us’: Manchester community comes together to mourn victims of synagogue terror attack
23:59
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Athena Stavrou
Watch: David Lammy heckled at Manchester synagogue vigil speech
23:17
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Athena Stavrou
Attacker was confronted by synagogue security 15 minutes before attack
22:41
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Athena Stavrou
In an update on Friday evening, the counter terror police have given an insight into the lead up to the attack.
Head of counter terrorism Laurence Taylor said: “We have been told from witness accounts that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security and walked away. Based on the information we have at this time, we don’t believe this was reported to Greater Manchester Police because the man had left the area.
“Around 15 minutes later, the individual returned in a vehicle and began his horrific attack.
“There were a large number of worshippers in attendance but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers and the fast action of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.”
Pictures from today's vigil
22:17
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Athena Stavrou
Manchester rabbi recalls moment attacker tried to force inside synagogue
21:18
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Athena Stavrou
Police share details of attack and suspect Jihad Al-Shamie
21:11
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Police have shared more information about the suspect and the attack, but have stressed the investigation is still in its early stages.
“We have been told from witness accounts that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security and walked away, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said.
“Based on the information we have at this time, we don’t believe this was reported to Greater Manchester Police because the man had left the area.
“Around 15 minutes later, the individual returned in a vehicle and began his horrific attack.
“There were a large number of worshippers in attendance but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers and the fast action of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.
“Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, sadly died. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.
“We believe the suspect, who died at the scene, was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. A suspicious device that was attached to his torso was assessed and we can confirm it was a fake.
“Based on some fast time assessments conducted on our systems, this individual does not appear to be known to Counter Terrorism Policing, however he does have a non-CT related criminal history. This includes a recent arrest for rape, which resulted in him being bailed.”
Three people arrested as police say suspect had been 'influenced by extreme Islamist ideology'
20:57
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Rebecca Whittaker
Police have said the suspect was influenced by “extreme Islamist ideology” as three addition people are arrested.
“We believe Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. Establishing the full circumstances of the attack is likely to take some time,” Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said.
“We have now arrested three further people, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s. This brings the number of people in custody arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six.
“We will be seeking warrants of further detention for all six individuals and will seek to issue an update on this later.”
Minute’s silence to be held at Old Trafford match for synagogue victims
20:51
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Athena Stavrou
A minute’s silence will be held at Old Trafford on Saturday during Manchester United’s match against Sunderland in tribute to the victims of Thursday’s terror attack in the city.
The PA news agency understands players will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the two men who died in the attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
Three people remain in hospital with serious injuries.
United head coach Ruben Amorim said: “It’s a crazy world that we are living in the moment, a lot of these things are happening.
“Of course, our sympathy is for the victims and we will pay tribute tomorrow. But it is a crazy world in this moment.”
Home secretary calls for Gaza protests to halt after terror attack
20:21
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Athena Stavrou
Watch: Starmer arrives at scene of Manchester synagogue terror attack
19:59
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Athena Stavrou
Family of Melvin Cravitz pay tribute to man who 'would do anything to help anyone'
19:11
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Athena Stavrou
The family of Melvin Cravitz have paid tribute to the “kind and caring man” who was killed in yesterday’s terror attack.
The 66-year-old, from Crumpsall, was the security guard who worked at the synagogue and stopped the attacker from entering the building.
His family said in a tribute: “Melvin would do anything to help anyone. He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people.
“He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food. He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community.
“We ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with this shocking loss.”
Starmer tells protesters to 'respect the grief of British Jews' this week
19:04
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has written an opinion piece in the Jewish Chronicle this evening, in which he tells people planning to protest this weekend to “respect the grief of British Jews”.
The Met Police have asked organisers of a pro-Palestine protest planned for Saturday in London to be cancelled.
Defend our Juries have said the action will go ahead as planned, saying “cancelling peaceful protests lets terror win”.
The prime minister wrote: “I know that planned protests over the weekend, just a few days before the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, as well as in the shadow of the Manchester attack, will cause distress,
“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy – and there is justified concern about the suffering in Gaza – but a minority have used these protests as a pretext for stoking antisemitic tropes.
“I urge anyone thinking about protesting this weekend to recognise and respect the grief of British Jews this week.
“This is a moment of mourning. It is not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain.”
Friends of Melvin Cravitz pay tribute
18:48
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Athena Stavrou
Friends of one of the victims of the attack, Melvin Cravitz, have paid tribute to the 66-year-old.
Andy Kordas, who lived close to Mr Cravitz for many years, said he last saw him two days ago and he "always had a kind word".
The 71-year-old said: "He always used to come over and have a chat and ask me what I was up to.
"He always had a smile on his face. It's just terrible."
Another neighbour, Bilal Ahmad, said Mr Cravitz was a "very nice guy" and "very calm".
"He would always say hello when you came past," the 55-year-old said.
Worshiper inside synagogue claims attacker said 'this is what they get for killing our children'
18:31
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Athena Stavrou
The Manchester synagogue terrorist shouted “this is what they get for killing our children” as he tried to get to worshippers, it has been claimed.
Alan Levy helped barricade the doors at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue when Jihad Al-Shamie appeared waving a knife.
The synagogue’s chairman of trustees told ITV News he saw Al-Shamie “with a big knife, banging his knife into the glass, trying to get through.
“The heroes of the congregation who saw what was happening then came to the doors because he was trying to break the doors down to get in.
“We were barricading the doors between us with Rabbi Walker and a number of the other congregants. He couldn’t get in because we were holding the doors firm.”
Mr Levy told the broadcaster: “All I heard him say was when the guys were outside the perimeter and were shouting at him. He shouted ‘this is what you get for killing our children’.”
He added: “It’s just truly horrific. The attacks against our community. Our children aren’t safe in schools, we have to have guards. Our people are not safe at the synagogue going to pray on the holiest day of our year.”
Lammy addresses heckling at vigil
18:23
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Athena Stavrou
The deputy prime minister has addressed the heckling he faced at today’s vigil in manchester.
David Lammy wrote on X: “I heard the pain, anger and grief at today’s vigil after the horrific terrorist attack.
“We stand with the Jewish community in grief and solidarity against antisemitism. We are surging security at synagogues and supporting victims.
“Hate must never and will never divide us.”
I heard the pain, anger and grief at today’s vigil after the horrific terrorist attack.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) October 3, 2025
We stand with the Jewish community in grief and solidarity against antisemitism. We are surging security at synagogues and supporting victims.
Hate must never and will never divide us.
Synagogue terrorist was on bail for alleged rape, according to reports
18:18
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Amy-Clare Martin, Crime Correspondent
The Manchester synagogue terrorist was on bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack, it has emerged.
Reports in the Guardian claim Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was being investigated over an alleged sexual attack which is understood to have taken place earlier this year.
The Syrian-born attacker was not on the radar of counter-terrorism officers but was under investigation by Greater Manchester Police over the sex attack, it is understood.
Police are still working to establish the full details of the motivations of the 35-year-old attacker, who was a British national of Syrian descent who was granted citizenship in 2006 as a minor.
Investigators do not believe he had ever been referred to Prevent, Britain’s counter terrorism programme.
Neighbour of Manchester terror attack victim offers support to family
17:57
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Athena Stavrou
Adrian Daulby one of worshipers who stopped attacker entering synagogue
17:33
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Athena Stavrou
Adrian Daulby was one of the worshippers who was able to stop Jihad Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue, Greater Manchester Police said.
In a tribute issued by the force, his family said: “Adrian Daulby was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others. He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin.
“The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man. His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday 2 October 2025.”
Victim's family pay tribute
17:12
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Athena Stavrou
The family of one of the victims of yesterday’s attack have said they are “shocked” by the “tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man”.
Police said Adrian Daulby, 53, was one of the brave worshipers at the synagogue who prevented the attacker from entering the premises.
“Adrian Daulby was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others, he was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin,” his family said in a tribute.
“The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man. His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday 2 October 2025.”
The force said his injury was sustained as an “unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by our officers”.
Pictured: Community gathers in the rain for vigil
17:01
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Athena Stavrou
Woman shouts 'shame on you' at Lammy
16:47
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Athena Stavrou
Joanne Lazarus, 61, from Whitefield, Bury, shouted “shame on you” and “you’re embarrassing” at David Lammy as he spoke at the vigil.
She said she wanted the Government to stop pro-Palestine marches taking place.
She told the PA news agency: “I took the chance to make my voice heard. I can’t take these marches every single Saturday.
“I’ve been into town on a Saturday and have been told I’m a baby killer and to ‘go home’.
“That hatred is felt through the whole of the UK and through what happened here yesterday. I knew it would happen.”
Ms Lazarus who attended the Heaton Park Shul when she was younger said she didn’t think Mr Lammy would “care” about the response he received at the vigil.
Uproar from vigil crowd during Lammy's speech
16:21
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Athena Stavrou
Uproar resumed in the vigil crowd as David Lammy said “that is why we stand in defiance of those terrorists who seek to divide us”.
There were shouts from attendees, and one man could be heard saying “you enabled it, every Saturday”.
The Justice Secretary continued: “We cannot, must not, let them divide us – we must show them who we really are, not what they want us to become or to believe.”
Rabbi closes vigil
16:15
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Athena Stavrou
Closing the vigil, Rabbi Walker added: “I want to say thank you again to those special and heroic men who stopped that terrorist getting into my shul and stopped much worse things happening.
“I want to say thank you to emergency services, first of all, to the police, who came to our aid at the time of our greatest need, who were there for us.
“The fire service, the ambulance service, those who tended to the wounded. to all those who have helped us and supported us through this most terrible and darkest time.
“Adrian and Melvin died as Jews for being Jews. The only way to defeat darkness, the only way to defeat unholiness, is with goodness.”
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham speaks at vigil
16:02
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Holly Evans
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham addressed the vigil and said: “We care about you, we love you, we value what you have given to Greater Manchester over the years.
“An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.
“That is the permanent principle, the firm foundation on which this city region has been built, by you by us, by everyone here over centuries, that is who we are, and we will not let this break us in any way, shape, or form.
“I salute the strength of our Jewish Community.”
Watch: 'We've been waiting for this': Rabbi speaks of antisemitism fears after Manchester attack
15:56
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Holly Evans
'We stand in solidarity with Jewish people,' says David Lammy
15:48
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
Taking to the stage, David Lammy said: “Today our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers, must be with the families and those who were killed and with this Jewish community.
“I know the suffering in Crumpsall is the same as the pain and the worry in my constituency.
“That’s why we stand in solidarity with the Jewish people - because an attack like this is never felt alone. Our friends, our neighbours, our loved ones are terrified by the events of yesterday.
He continued: “We stand with you against terrorism. We stand against those who think bombs or blasts will break us.
“We know terrorism in this country, in this city. We have seen it in Heaton park. I vow to you we will never stop fighting it.”
Deputy PM David Lammy heckled at vigil
15:41
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Holly Evans
David Lammy has been heckled and booed after being announced as the next speaker at the vigil.
The deputy prime minister is attending alongside home secretary Shabana Mahmood, with Angela Rayner also pictured in attendance.
Mark Adlestone, chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region, who spoke said: "All right, we've heard enough," he says.
"We know how you feel. I know how I feel - let's give the time for our deputy Prime Minister to address us."
'We are proud British Mancunian Jews', says speaker at vigil
15:38
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
Mark Addelman, chair of the Jewish Representative Council, said the community was looking for “leadership and hope”.
“We grieve for the losses of Adrian and Melvin. We feel the comfort and support of the wider non Jewish world. GMP and the emergency services have been outstanding.”
A round of applause rang out around the vigil.
.Mr Addelman said there is so much more that needs to be done if the deaths are to mean anything.
He added “we are proud British Mancunian Jews” to another round of applause.
David Lammy and Shabana Mahmood attend vigil
15:33
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Holly Evans
A vigil is underway after yesterday's attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, which killed two people
The synagogue was targeted on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, with two people killed and three more injured.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood, deputy prime minister David Lammy and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are among those attending.
GMP appeal to pro-Palestine protesters to 'consider is this the right time'
15:26
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Holly Evans
Greater Manchester Police are appealing to pro-Palestine protesters who intend on attending demonstrations this weekend to consider “whether this is really the right time”.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: “We are aware that a number of planned demonstrations are due to take place this weekend, of the variety that we routinely police across our city-region week-in and week-out.
“At this time however, I am directly appealing to all those who might be intending to protest this weekend to consider whether this is really the right time.
“You could do the responsible and sensitive thing and refrain, on this occasion, from protesting in a manner which is likely to add to the trauma currently being experienced by our Jewish community.”
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson is appealing to all those who might be intending to protest this weekend to consider whether this is really the right time, in light of the tragic incident on Middleton Road, Crumpsall yesterday. pic.twitter.com/A7ESme0qBC
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 3, 2025
Watch: Manchester rabbi recalls moment attacker tried to force inside synagogue
15:10
,
Holly Evans
Mother and daughter say they 'don't feel safe' in UK after attack
15:07
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Holly Evans
Our reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane reports from the scene:
A mother and a daughter who did not want to be named said they were “shocked but not surprised” by yesterday’s attack.
One said her brother had been one of the members of the synagogue who barricaded the door.
“There have been signs for a long time,” they said. “We don’t feel safe in our own country anymore.”
When asked about the news the police shot one of the men killed they said they “didn’t blame the police”. “They had to respond,” they said.
The atmosphere here is sombre and contemplative as mourners gather to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack on Heaton Park shul. Through a sea of umbrellas friends and relatives can be seen embracing and kissing as they welcomed each other at the scene.
Protest in support of Palestine Action will still go ahead, says organisers
14:54
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Holly Evans
A group planning to stage a protest in central London in support of banned group Palestine Action said the event will still go ahead despite the police asking for it to be postponed.
A Defend Our Juries spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has lost loved ones in the horrific attack on Heaton Park Synagogue and we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community across the UK.
“Our action tomorrow will see 1,500 people – including priests, vicars, pensioners and healthcare workers – peacefully sitting holding cardboard signs saying ‘I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action’.
“The police had called on us to cancel tomorrow’s protest before the disturbing news emerged that one of the victims at Heaton Park Synagogue was shot by the police.
“Many Jewish supporters of Defend Our Juries have warned that postponing tomorrow’s action would risk conflating the actions of state of Israel with Jewish people around the world, as Netanyahu seeks to do – who bear no responsibility for Israel’s crimes, which could fuel antisemitic hatred and prejudice. It couldn’t be clearer that tomorrow’s action – which is in Trafalgar Square and not near any synagogue – is about defying the Government’s absurdly authoritarian proscription of Palestine Action and the Government’s complicity in the genocide being committed by the Israeli Government.
“Yesterday’s attack was actual terrorism and we join others across the country in condemning it unreservedly and we urge the Home Secretary and the police to prioritise protecting the community, instead of arresting entirely peaceful protesters.
“The political decision to proscribe Palestine Action – whose actions targeting arms companies aimed to save lives in Palestine – is taking away from the police protecting the community from those who seek to take lives.
“Cancelling peaceful protests lets terror win. It’s more important than ever to defend our democracy, including our fundamental rights to peaceful protest and freedom of speech, and to take A stand tomorrow against killing and against oppression, and for peace and justice for all.”
Crowds gather ahead of 3pm vigil
14:49
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Holly Evans
Our reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane is at the scene in Manchester:
It’s a rainy and windy afternoon in Manchester, but people are expected to turn up in their masses to attend a 3pm vigil held just meters away from the scene of the terrorist attack.
“I’m Catholic, we’ve come from our church to pay respects to these lovely people,” one man who came and dropped flowers on the edge of the scene said.
