One of the victims killed in yesterday's attack was believed to have been shot by police, Greater Manchester Police have said.
It is not currently believed that Jihad Al-Shamie was in possession of a firearm, and the only shots fired came from GMP's Authorised Firearms Officers.
“This 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”, chief constable Sir Stephen Watson said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now launching an investigation following the victims death.
A second victim who remains in hospital also suffered a gunshot wound, which is “mercifully not life-threatening”.
Police officers have been seen surrounding an address in Greater Manchester, where terror attacker Al-Shamie is believed to have lived.
The two victims have been named as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, with both killed outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, after Al-Shamie, 35, drove into a group of people and stabbed a man.
He was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the car and stabbing attack on Thursday morning.
Two men aged in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack in connection with the killings.
Al-Shamie’s family have released a statement condemning the “heinous act” which they said had been a “profound shock” to them.
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Key Points
- One of victims killed in attack believed to have been shot by police, GMP says
- Family of attack suspect condemn 'heinous act'
- Police name two victims killed in attack
- Met Police call for Saturday's pro-Palestine action protest to be cancelled
- Prime minister and wife Lady Victoria visit scene
- IOPC launch investigation after fatal police shooting
Full statement from Heaton Park's Rabbi Daniel Walker
13:45
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Holly Evans
A statement from Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Daniel Walker, its president Hilary Foxler, and chairman of trustees Alan Levy, said the “loss we feel is beyond words”.
It said: “It is hard to find the words to convey the depth of our community’s grief, as we try to process yesterday’s act of unimaginable violence.
“This desecration of our synagogue, on Yom Kippur of all days, is an episode that has changed us all forever.
“Two of our beloved members were murdered in cold blood, and others remain in hospital with serious injuries. The loss we feel is beyond words.
“These were not simply members of our synagogue – they were our friends, our family – and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
“Even in this valley of deepest sorrow, we have been upheld by extraordinary courage and kindness from so many.
“We are profoundly grateful to our security team, to CST (Community Security Trust) and to the emergency services, whose swift and selfless actions saved countless lives and brought reassurance amid chaos. To all of them we owe a debt that can never be repaid.
“We have also been strengthened by the countless expressions of solidarity that have poured in, not only from across the Jewish community but from faith leaders, from political leaders and, from neighbours of every background.
“In our darkest hour, you have shown us that we do not stand alone. Your embrace reminds us that love and compassion remain stronger than hate.
“As the chief rabbi has noted, this attack was an assault not only on Jews, but upon our shared values.
“The greatest tribute to the memory of Adrian and Melvin Z”L (which means, may their memory be a blessing) would be for communities right across the country to come together in peace and solidarity, to challenge the evil of antisemitism wherever it is found, so that no other community has to endure these horrors ever again.
“For now we will continue to weep, we will continue to pray, and we will continue to live our lives as Jews with dignity and faith.”
Heaton Park synagogue rabbi says attack is a 'desecration'
13:37
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Holly Evans
Heaton Park Synagogue’s Rabbi Daniel Walker said the terror attack in Manchester was a “desecration”, adding in a joint statement with the synagogue executive and trustees that it was “an episode that has changed us all forever”.
The rabbi, who is the executive and trustees the synagogue targeted in Manchester said in a statement “the loss we feel is beyond words”, adding: “These were not simply members of our synagogue – they were our friends, our family – and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled.”
Watch: Starmer arrives at scene of Manchester synagogue terror attack
13:32
,
Rebecca Whittaker
IOPC launch investigation after fatal police shooting
13:22
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is launching an investigation following a fatal police shooting.
Emily Barry, Director of Engagement: “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families, as well as all those affected by yesterday’s horrific events.
“As is standard when there has been a fatal police shooting, we are carrying out an independent investigation to establish the facts of what happened, and our findings will be shared with the Coroner in due course.
“IOPC investigators attended the police post-incident procedures and were at the scene last night gathering evidence. We will be present at the post-mortems today to provide independent oversight.
"It is important in these circumstances that the police are able to continue their vital work, and there are established protocols we follow to ensure our role does not hinder their ability to conduct enquiries as part of their own investigations.
“We will share further information when we are in a position to do so.”
Palestine Action protests following the attack show a 'rotten core' says president of UK Jewish organisation
13:13
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Rebecca Whittaker
Protests about Palestine Action just after the synagogue attack shows a "rotten core" and "even support for terror", Phil Rosenberg, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told Sky News.
Rosenberg also urged the organisers of the planned protest in London against the banning of Palestine Action to "pull back" after the Metropolitan Police said it will divert crucial police resources.
“I think the organisers of these events have to ask themselves the question what are they really in for? I think this shows antisemitism and even a support for terror,” he told the broadcaster.
Watch: Tributes paid at scene of Manchester synagogue terror attack
13:07
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Pictured: Police Tactical Aid Unit arrive following attack
13:06
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Members of the Police Tactical Aid Unit arrive at Langley Crescent, Prestwich, after two people died in a terror attack at the Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester
Social media 'has a lot to answer for' a rabbi has said following the attack
12:59
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Becky Whittaker
Social media “has a lot to answer for” in the “stoking of hatred” and fear, senior Masorti Judaism rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg has said in the wake of the Crumpsall synagogue terror attack.
He told BBC News: “We have for a long time… been accustomed to needing security at all our venues and all our events. It actually reflects a tragic situation: the presence of antisemitism in so many ways in our society, and we deeply regret that.”
The rabbi added: “Judaism is a deeply, deeply resilient religion, and I want to say they also appreciated, when I came home from the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the many, many messages from Christian and particularly Muslim colleagues of solidarity, because this is not just attack against us – it’s an attack against all faiths and against the very coherence and tolerance of our society.”
Asked how “voices of calm can make themselves heard above voices of hatred”, Mr Wittenberg said: “The stoking of hatred and the stoking of fear is really profoundly, profoundly wrong, and social media has a lot to answer for.
“And so do people who don’t appreciate the vulnerability that others feel and how much we need to be humanity together.
“Across our faiths and across our society we need to be seen more together, we need to partner more together: the Jewish, the Muslim, the Christian community and other faiths, civil society as well.
“The statements by Government are reassuring but they need to be backed up with actions to protect the security and safety over all of us.”
Green party leader Zack Polanski accuses the home secretary of being ‘deeply irresponsible’ over her call to halt march
12:56
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Rebecca Whittaker
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said the home secretary’s call to stop the protests against a genocide in Gaza is “deeply irresponsible.”
It comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said pro-Palestinian marches that took place last night after the Manchester synagogue attack were "dishonourable".
The Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, responded and said: “I think ultimately conflating protests against a genocide in Gaza and ultimately weaponizing that against an anti-semitic attack on our streets, a terrorist attack, is deeply irresponsible.
“And again, democratic, non-violent protest is a cornerstone of our democracy.
“And I think it's worrying when government are increasingly trying to crush down dissent, and again, using what is a brutal attack that many of us in the Jewish community, that all of us in the Jewish community, are feeling very deeply, to try and use that to point at a protest and say people don't have a right to also speak out against a genocide is both conflating issues, it is incoherent and it's exactly the opposite of what we need from politicians. We need statesmanship in this moment.
“We need responsibility. We need people to be sensitive about their language, but also recognize that there is complexity for this and it can't just be about finger pointing at people who are very worried about a genocide.”
'We must defeat antisemitism, and that is the responsibility of all of us,' says Starmer
12:46
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Rebecca Whittaker
Speaking at Greater Manchester Police headquarters where he thanked emergency services personnel for their work during the Crumpsall synagogue terror attack, Sir Keir Starmer said: “This was a dreadful attack, a terrorist attack to inflict fear. Attacking Jews because they are Jews.
“It’s really important today that the whole country comes together, people of all faiths and no faith, stand in support and solidarity with our Jewish community, and I know that your work will help to that end.”
The Prime Minister added: “We must defeat antisemitism, and that is the responsibility of all of us.
“It is the responsibility of Government and we will rise to that challenge and do all that we can to absolutely ensure that our Jewish community is safe and secure, and that we show them the strength of the support and solidarity that we have for them.
“That will be massively helped by what you have already done, what you’re continuing to do.”
Prime minister thanked responders from the police, ambulance and fire service
12:44
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Rebecca Whittaker
The Prime Minister visited the silver command base in police headquarters before meeting responders from the police, ambulance and fire service.
He praised “the degree of professionalism and speed” that workers showed on Thursday.
Sir Keir told them: “I just wanted to come and say to you, thank you so much for what you did yesterday, what you are continuing to do, because here you are back at work the next day.”
He added: “The confidence that you’ve given people across not just Greater Manchester… but across the whole country, is really, really important to us. So thank you very much.”
Neighbour pays tribute to victim Adrian Daulby
12:42
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Rebecca Whittaker
"He was a lovely man," another neighbour, who gave her name as Cookie, told Independent reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane.
"My granddaughter is sobbing. He used to give all the children gifts and treats. He would bring presents for her on her birthday and Christmas. They would knock on his door anytime and he would give them treats, ice cream.
She was moved to tears as she paid tribute to her neighbour of over 20 years: "I saw neighbours going to knock on his door this morning. I had to stop them, I said 'it's Adrian'. He was a very kind man."
Watch: Friend of Manchester terror attack victim pays tribute to 'gentle teddy bear'
12:40
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Rebecca Whittaker
Injured victim was working for charity providing security to Jewish community
12:39
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Rebecca Whittaker
One of the victims injured in the Manchester synagogue attack was working for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which provides security to the Jewish community.
In a post on X CST said: "We will keep doing all we can in the protection of our community and thank all of those who support us in doing so."
"We will keep doing all we can in the protection of our community and thank all of those who support us in doing so." @MarkGardnerCST pic.twitter.com/G5oXurW35U
— CST (@CST_UK) October 3, 2025
Independent Public Advocate to support victims of the attack
12:37
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Rebecca Whittaker
Support is being deployed to help victims of the synagogue attack, the government has confirmed.
Victims and those affected by the horrific terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall will be supported by the recently appointed Independent Public Advocate.
It is the first time the Independent Public Advocate has been appointed to an incident, after the Deputy Prime Minister declared the attack as a major incident under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.
The Independent Public Advocate will ensure victims and close friends and family members affected by this major incident understand their rights and can access vital emotional and practical support.
This can also include helping victims to navigate the investigations which may follow, such as inquests.
Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor David Lammy said: “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community after the vile terrorist attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. Antisemitism has no place in Britain.
“We’re standing up support for victims through the Independent Public Advocate for the first time. This will ensure they receive the care, information and advocacy they deserve.
“Our immediate focus is on the victims and safety of our communities. But make no mistake, all those responsible for this atrocity will be held to account.”
Victims can register for support from the Independent Public Advocate who will be able to direct them to support services, help them to understand and take part in processes following the attack and amplify their voice to public authorities.
Neighbours described victim as 'loving' member of the community
12:32
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Rebecca Whittaker
Adrian Daulby's neighbours described him as a "loving" and "helpful" member of the community.
"I've known him since I moved here in 2005," Abdul Rahimi told Independent reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane.
"He was like family. It is a real shock especially to my children, because he was friends with them. He was children-minded."
He did a lot on the road, too much. He was always helpful. Always on Eid or Christmas he would bring a gift."
He said he had first learned of Mr Daulby's death after seeing his name on the news this morning.
"We thought it could not be possible," he said.
"Actually, we were looking for him yesterday. We didn't know where he was. My wife called me and said Adrian is missing. Another neighbour called his phone so many times and it just rang through."
He lived alone, his mum and dad had passed away. All the animals in the street, the cats, he loved them. He would bring a lot of books and gifts for my kids. I have not told my kids because they love him so much."
Defend Our Juries respond to Met's request to cancel pro-Palestine protest
12:21
,
Holly Evans
Protest group Defend OurJuries have responded to the Met Police’s request that they cancel a pro-Palestine demonstration on Saturday in Trafalgar Square.
On social media, they said: “Don’t arrest us then. We are causing no obstruction. We are committing no act of violence.
“We are making no noise. We are breaching no peace. We are using nonviolent language. We are peacefully protesting against UK complicity in genocide.
“Deal with actual terrorism.”
The Metropolitan Police wrote to the group overnight, raising concerns about the amount of police resources the protest would divert at a time when “visible reassurance and protective security” is needed in communities across London.
But Defend Our Juries, which has led demonstrations against the terrorist ban on Palestine Action, said it planned to go ahead with the march.
The Met has continued to urge the group to call off its plans, in a statement which echoed the earlier sentiments of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Don’t arrest us then
— Defend Our Juries (@DefendourJuries) October 3, 2025
We are causing no obstruction.
We are committing no act of violence.
We are making no noise.
We are breaching no peace.
We are using nonviolent language.
We are peacefully protesting against UK complicity in genocide.
Deal with actual terrorism. https://t.co/rQ705NDiPO
One injured victim was working for charity that provides security to Jewish community
12:09
,
Holly Evans
One of the victims injured in the Manchester synagogue attack was working for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which provides security to the Jewish community.
Its chief executive Mark Gardner said in a statement: “I said after October 7 that I did not believe in ‘reassurance’, because it sounds like a magic wand that nothing will happen.
“Instead, I gave you my ‘assurance’ that CST would do everything in our power to keep Jews safe so as to encourage strength and resilience.
“In pursuit of that mission, one of our CST personnel was seriously injured in yesterday’s terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. We pray for his continuing recovery and salute the courage of all those who helped stop the terrorist from getting into the shul.
“We will keep doing all we can in the protection of our community and thank all of those who support us in doing so.”
Antisemitism on the rise since 7 October 2023
11:50
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Holly Evans
Antisemitism has risen “extremely sharply” since 7 October 2023, following a pattern Jews have experienced whenever there is conflict in the Middle East, according to Marc Levy, chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region.
He told LBC: “Obviously we’ve never had to endure a conflict that lasted this long, but it is right that there has been a failing in several sections of society to adequately deal with the scourge of antisemitism, given that we have seen incidents in every aspect of our communal life whether that is in universities, schools, workplaces, even in the NHS, and our cultural venues.”
Mr Levy said he has “numerous special memories” of his whole family at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue as it is where he has attended since he was a child.
He said he knew that his father would have been arriving at the synagogue around the time of the attack.
“Subsequently I’ve been told that he was one of the people barricading the door to keep the terrorist out,” he said.
Al-Shamie was not sociable and walked around in his pyjamas, says resident
11:38
,
Holly Evans
Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, told reporters that Jihad Al-Shamie was not sociable with the other residents on Langley Crescent.
She told The Telegraph: “He lived there 10 years, with no wife or kids that I could see. He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.
“I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he’d always park it badly outside ours.
“I’d see him walking around in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag.
“He was quite bulked up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I’d see them there.”
New Archbishop of Canterbury says we are 'witnessing hatred'
11:27
,
Holly Evans
Newly named Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally said the Church of England has a “responsibility” to stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism after the attack in synagogue Manchester on Thursday.
She said: “Mindful of the horrific violence of yesterday’s attack on a synagogue in Manchester, we are witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities.
“I know that the God who is with us draws near to those who suffer.
“We, then, as a church, have a responsibility to be a people who stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism in all its forms.
“Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart.”
Labour MP breaks ranks with Home Secretary to call for march to go ahead this weekend
11:25
,
Kate Devlin
Labour MP Kim Johnson told The Independent “policing should prioritise public safety over silencing peaceful protest.”
It came after the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called on pro-Gaza demonstrators to stop protesting in the wake of the terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester. Police have asked organisers of a mass protest against the ban on Palestine Action in London on Saturday to postpone, but they have declined.
Ms Johnson said: “We must stand together to condemn the awful violence in Manchester - there is no place for hate. But the Defend Our Juries response is right - banning Palestine Action has put unnecessary strain on the Met Police.
“Political decisions like this are diverting resources away from tackling genuine threats to our communities. The march should go ahead this weekend, and policing should prioritise public safety over silencing peaceful protest.”
Family of attack suspect condemn 'heinous act'
11:18
,
Holly Evans
The family of Jihad Al-Shamie, who has been named as the suspect in the attack, have now released a statement condemning the act.
"The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us," the statement reported by Reuters reads.
"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.
They requested privacy and for media outlets to “refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth" .They added that they pray for the swift recovery of any injured victims.
The statement is signed by "Faraj Al-Shamie, The Al-Shamie Family UK and Abroad"
Full statement from Greater Manchester Police
11:11
,
Holly Evans
Greater Manchester Police’s chief constable Sir Stephen Watson said: "Following the terrorist incident yesterday at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, Middleton Road, Crumpsall; further and urgent enquiries continue.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office Pathologist ahead of full post mortem examinations scheduled for later today.
"The Home Office Pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined, that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.
"It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP's Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.
“It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this 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.
"We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital, has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening.
“It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond. Specialist officers are providing support and care for all of those directly affected, including our brave first responders."
One of victims killed in attack believed to have been shot by police, GMP says
10:58
,
Holly Evans
One of the two victims killed in Thursday’s attack was believed to have been shot by police, Greater Manchester Police have said.
In a statement, Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said that the suspect Jihad Al-Shamie was not believed to have been in possession of a firearm, and the only shots fired were from GMP’s authorised firearms team.
“It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this 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,” he said.
Another victim who is currently in hospital is also believed to have suffered a gunshot injury.
#UPDATE | Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson has provided an update following yesterday’s tragic incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall. pic.twitter.com/VWTpOE4KG3
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 3, 2025
Victim Adrian Daulby had been unsure of attending Thursday service, says neighbour
10:55
,
Holly Evans
Adrian Daulby has been described by a neighbour as a “gentle and innocent soul” who had been unsure of attending the Yom Kippur service on Thursday due to being unwell.
A Muslim family who live next door to his home, where he lived alone a few hundred metres from the synagogue, told The Times he was a cancer survivor who spent his time tending his garden and running a YouTube channel.
Hussain, who did not want to give his surname, said: “He was very outdoors. His garden was his life. He was one of them who absolutely loved and adored kids as well. He didn’t have any of his own but the street’s kids were like his kids. He’d give them presents.”
He added that Mr Daulby had only recently returned to the synagogue after his own father had died.
“It was three, four years ago that he just started going again,” he said. “I spoke to him on Tuesday and he was taking about how it was going to be a big celebration day but because he was not feeling too good he was not going to fast. But he was debating if he was going to the synagogue or not.”
Watch: Starmer arrives at scene of Manchester synagogue terror attack
10:47
,
Holly Evans
Melvin Cravitz was a 'lovely person' who always helped others, neighbours say
10:45
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Waqas Hussain, 32, and Haleema Younas, 34, live a few doors down from Melvin Cravitz, and realised he had been killed after seeing his picture on the news on Friday morning.
“I saw the picture, and because it’s quite an old picture I did a double take,” Mr Hussain told The Independent. “Honestly he was such a lovely person, always going out of his way to help his neighbours out.
“He wasn’t one of those who would keep himself to himself. If he saw a new family had moved into the area he’d be the first to go over.
“He was definitely a big bonding factor in the community. You’d see him in the morning, in his vest sometimes, putting the neighbours bins out. It’s so sad. It’s devastating. It’s definitely a loss to the community. He was a model neighbour.”
“As a Muslim this devastates me because it says in the Quran that the murder of one innocent soul is the death of mankind. It’s barbaric.
“It’s not the first time hatred has been seeded in Manchester and one thing that we have here as a community is that Manchester always comes together. That gives you some warmth. They won’t divide us.
“I think moving forward that’s the real message that needs to be pushed.”
Pictured: Prime minister and wife Lady Victoria visit scene
10:39
,
Holly Evans
Neighbours say they thought attacker was 'ordinary lad' prior to terror incident
10:35
,
Holly Evans
Geoff Haliwell, 72, who lives close to Jihad Al-Shamie’s home in Prestwich said the property used to be on his window cleaning round.
Mr Haliwell said he believed the Al-Shamie family had lived at the address for around 20 years including his mother, father and brothers.
He said the father had lived there for five or six years then left the home but would visit in a car with French number plates.
He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and other times “traditional” Syrian dress. He also said Jihad Al-Shamie would use benches to work out.
He added: “I would see him at least once or twice a week, we just said ‘hello’. I didn’t even know his name.
“He was just a straightforward, ordinary lad, nothing would stand out to make you think he was…”
Victim Adrian Daulby described as 'a very good man' by friend
10:31
,
Holly Evans
A friend of victim Adrian Daulby has paid tribute, describing him as “one of the best guys I’ve ever seen in my life”.
Speaking to Sky News, Abdul Rahimi said: "Whenever he got the money, he would buy a book for my kids, for all the neighbours' kids. Books, toys... he'd always play with the water guns, water toys, these kinds of things.
"He was the first man to bring toys outside my door, even if he was away.
"He was a good man, a very good man."
Sir Keir Starmer arrives at Manchester scene
10:26
,
Holly Evans
Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Manchester to visit the scene of Thursday’s terror attack.
He visited an unnamed synagogue on yesterday evening after he vowed to do “everything in my power” to protect Jewish communities in the UK.
Watch: Crime scene investigators at scene of Manchester synagogue terror attack
10:15
,
Holly Evans
Melvin Cravitz described by friends as a 'lovely person'
10:03
,
Holly Evans
Two friends of Melvin Cravitz have paid tribute after he was killed on Thursday’s attack, describing him as “very beloved”.
Elchonon and Hindi Cohen, friends of Melvin Cravitz, told The Telegraph: “He was a lovely person. Always with a joke, always making a smile. He had his humour.”
Mrs Cohen added: “He would visit us often. Before every festival we would have him over for a meal. He was very beloved. He was a figure round here. If you saw Melvin you stopped and talked.
“He didn’t always have it easy. He had health issues, but he was always with a joke and a smile.”
She said that he had no children of his own, but was regarded as a beloved uncle figure to his wife’s children from a previous marriage.
In pictures: Tributes placed outside synagogue after terror attack
09:50
,
Holly Evans
Met Police call for Saturday's pro-Palestine action protest to be cancelled
09:38
,
Holly Evans
A pro-Palestine protest planned for Saturday in London should be cancelled following the terror attack in Manchester, the Metropolitan Police has insisted.
A statement from the Met published on social media site X on Friday morning said: “The horrific terrorist attack that took place in Manchester yesterday will have caused significant fear and concern in communities across the UK, including here in London.
“Yet at a time when we want to be deploying every available officer to ensure the safety of those communities, we are instead having to plan for a gathering of more than 1,000 people in Trafalgar Square on Saturday in support of a terrorist organisation.
“By choosing to encourage mass law-breaking on this scale, Defend Our Juries are drawing resources away from the communities of London at a time when they are needed most.
“We urge them to do the responsible thing and delay or cancel their plans.”
The horrific terrorist attack that took place in Manchester yesterday will have caused significant fear and concern in communities across the UK, including here in London.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 3, 2025
Yet at a time when we want to be deploying every available officer to ensure the safety of those… https://t.co/KjOpjNzEoq
'Heatwave of antisemitism and anti-Jewish feelings' in the world, says Israeli president
09:31
,
Holly Evans
Israel’s president Isaac Herzog said Thursday was a “horrific day” for the Jewish community in Britain, Britain at large, and the Jewish community throughout the world.
“It’s a shocking reminder of what we’ve been alerting on for quite some time, that this heatwave of antisemitism and anti-Jewish feelings all over the world at the end reaches bloodshed,” he told LBC.
Mr Herzog said what happened at the synagogue in Crumpsall was a “true horror” and said “very strong steps” are required in pre-empti
