Manchester synagogue attacker named as British citizen of Syrian descent

He is 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, but formal identification is yet to take place.

Al-Shamie is understood to have entered the UK as a young child and been granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around the age of 16.

He was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the attack in Crumpsall on Thursday morning.

Two Jewish men died, and three more people are fighting for their lives after a car was driven at a crowd before a stabbing outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue shortly after 9.30am this morning.

Greater Manchester Police also said three suspects have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism.

They are two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s.

A dramatic picture of Al-Shamie shows the moment he stood outside the synagogue with unidentified objects strapped to his waist, initially thought to be an explosive device which police later said was not viable.

The attack happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

It is understood that Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service records, and he is not thought to have been under investigation.

GMP said officers were "working to understand the motivation behind the attack" and confirmed the killer had not been referred to the Government's Prevent anti-radicalisation scheme.

He appears to have lived in Prestwich, around two miles from the scene.

His name is linked to a property in the town and a neighbour recognised his face from photographs of the synagogue attacker.

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."

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She added: "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."

Reports suggest Al-Shamie's father is a doctor.

A Facebook profile of a Faraj Al-Shamie features numerous political posts about Syria.

It also includes a picture of a man, reported to be Jihad Al-Shamie, holding a baby in 2024 with the words "great welcome grandson".

Footage from the scene shows police warning members of the public.

"Everybody else, get back. If you're not involved, move back, get away... he has a bomb, go away," an officer can be heard shouting.

The footage was taken moments before the suspect was shot by police.

Footage on social media showed armed police officers pointing guns at someone lying on the ground, while their colleagues screamed "he's got a bomb" to onlookers and told them to "get back".

The police watchdog is investigating the fatal shooting of thesuspect, as per its protocol.

Emily Barry, director of engagement at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), said the probe was launched at midday and investigators "will attend the scene once it is appropriate to do so."

She said in the statement: "It is our role when police fatally shoot a member of the public to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and following information that the man shot by police, who they believe was responsible for the attacks, was thought to have died, we declared an independent investigation at midday.

"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 inquiries as part of their own investigations.

"IOPC investigators are attending the police post-incident procedures and will attend the scene once it is appropriate to do so."

Ms Barry added: "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as all those affected by the horrific events in Crumpsall today. This was an appalling act of violence that will have a lasting impact for so many people."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has visited a synagogue this evening, the PA news agency understands.

Earlier, he said Britain must defeat rising antisemitism.

Giving a statement from 10 Downing Street, he said: "Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.

"Today's horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.

"On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences to the families and victims affected. I want to thank the Greater Manchester police, the first responders and those dedicated security specialists, there is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery."

He also said the Jewish community in Britain will see a "more visible police presence" as he promised to do "everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve".

The Prime Minister said: "To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this.

"I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do.

"And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.

"And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.

"I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.

"And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong."