The terrorist behind the Manchester synagogue attack may have been influenced by “extreme Islamist ideology,” police have said.
Syrian-born Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead just minutes after he unleashed a murderous rampage on Heaton Park Synagogue yesterday morning.
In an update tonight, police announced they had arrested three more people on suspicion of terror offences in connection with the attack that left two people dead. This brings the total number of people in custody to six, with the latest suspects identified only as a man and two women, aged between 18 and their mid-40s.
Detectives also revealed that al-Shamie was seen acting suspiciously near the synagogue about 15 minutes before the attack. Police said the suspect, who was born in Syria but granted British citizenship as a teenager, was confronted by security before he walked away.
He then returned at 9:31 a.m. in his car, and after ramming it into crowds of worshippers, he started stabbing people at random.
Two men, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died in the attack. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.
Laurence Taylor, head of counter terrorism at Greater Manchester Police, 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.”
He added:
“At this stage, 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.
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.”
It comes as Greater Manchester Police confirmed that two innocent victims sheltering in the synagogue were hit by rounds discharged by armed officers. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) tonight said they are investigating the use of lethal force by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers.
IOPC Director Emily Barry said:
“This was a tragic incident that has had a devastating impact on so many people in Manchester and beyond. Families have lost loved ones and communities have been rocked by a senseless act of violence, which police are treating as terrorism. Our thoughts are with all those affected.
Police investigations are ongoing and there are measures in place to ensure our enquiries do not get in the way of the vital work being done to keep people safe. However, we are also required to ensure there is an independent investigation to understand the circumstances that have led to the use of lethal force by police.
This includes the decision to deploy armed officers and the use of force against the suspected attacker. At this time, the officers involved are being treated as witnesses to our investigation. As with all our investigations, this will remain under review as we continue to gather evidence.”
Mr. Daulby, 53, is believed to have been shot by police while attempting to prevent al-Shamie entering the synagogue during the car and knife attack. He was killed together with Mr. Cravitz, 66, from Crumpsall, who was working as a security guard at the synagogue and also helped prevent the attacker entering the premises.
A tribute provided by Mr. Daulby’s 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, October 2, 2025.”
A member of the synagogue’s executive, Brian Bell, said Mr. Daulby was shot as he was holding a door shut, adding that he was “an unassuming member of the synagogue who actually rose to the terrible danger, because he ran to close all the doors, back and front.”
Mr. Cravitz’s family said in their tribute that he was “kind” and “caring” and was “devoted” to his wife and family.
A statement read:
“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.”
Earlier today, it emerged that al-Shamie was on police bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack. It is also thought that the killer had additional criminal convictions, although he was not being monitored by British counter-terrorism officers.
Al-Shamie was also struggling with debt after splitting up with his wife and young son, the Daily Mail can reveal. He had been living with his mother and one of his two brothers at his old family home on Langley Crescent in Prestwich, Greater Manchester.
Neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac said that al-Shamie appeared to be “a bit of a loner,” and was often seen in traditional Islamic clothes and lifting weights in the garden.
Al-Shamie’s father, Faraj Al-Shamie, issued a statement on behalf of his family, saying the “terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.”
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