Two men killed in Manchester synagogue attack named by police

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died in Thursday's attack, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.

Thursday's attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at 9.31am saw a car driven into worshippers as they gathered to celebrate Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

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.

The force confirmed that formal identification is yet to take place but the families and next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Both victims are said to be residents of Crumpsall.

There will be an increased police presence across Manchester today, the force confirmed, with Sir Keir Starmer announcing that security outside places of worship will be stepped up.

Greater Manchester Police added that it wanted communities "feel safe and reassured" in the wake of the attack.

It comes as police released the name of chief suspect Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.

Read more: Rabbi hailed a hero after barricading synagogue door to stop Manchester attacker getting inside

Read more: Manchester synagogue attacker named as British citizen of Syrian descent

Al-Shamie was not known to security services before the attack, police have revealed, with the incident being treated as a terrorist attack.

Four others were injured in the attack, with three of the victims remaining in hospital with serious injuries.

Home Office post-mortems will take place later this morning, the force added.

Greater Manchester Police said their "deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this extremely hard time."

It comes as the UK's chief rabbi said "our hearts are shattered" following the tragedy.

Speaking on Friday morning, Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who co-ordinated the casualty response, said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.

“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them. They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process.

“Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones’ wishes are respected.”

Al-Shamie, who was shot dead within minutes of the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue, is understood to have been granted British citizenship in 2006.

In the wake of the attack, Greater Manchester Police 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.

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.