Victim of Manchester terror attack believed to have been shot by police

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died when a terrorist rammed his car into the Manchester synagogue before attacking worshippers with a knife.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, then went on to stab members of the public before being shot dead outside the synagogue.

Chief constable Sir Stephen Watson said the only shots fired outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday were by armed police, as terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie did not have a firearm

In an update on Friday, Sir Stephen said another victim is in hospital after suffering a gunshot wound, but their condition is not life-threatening.

Read more: Two men killed in Manchester synagogue attack named by police

The GMP has referred itself to the police watchdog following the incident.

A statement from GMP on Friday read: "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."

The statement concluded: "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."

Both victims are said to be residents of Crumpsall.

It comes as a rabbi at the synagogue was hailed "a hero" after blocking the doors of the building to the attacker, denying him entry.

In the wake of both victims' being identified, 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."

Dramatic pictures emerged following the attack, showing Al-Shamie stood outside the synagogue with unidentified objects strapped to his waist.

Initially thought to be an explosive device, police later added that the homemade 'vest' was not viable.

Rabbi Daniel Walker, the executive and trustees of Heaton Park Synagogue 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.”

He called the attack a “desecration”, adding in a joint statement with the synagogue executive and trustees that it was “an episode that has changed us all forever”.

On Friday, Al-Shamie's family issued a statement condemning the sick murders.

"The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us," the statement reported by Reuters read.

"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," the suspect's relatives wrote on social media.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort."