Key Takeaways
- A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of terror offences in connection with the attack on the Heaton Park synagogue, in which two people died.
- The man can be held in custody for up to seven days from his arrest on Thursday.
- Seven people have been arrested over the attack, which occurred on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
- The attack resulted in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, and left three others with serious injuries.
- The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Introduction to the Attack
The attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, has left a community in shock and grief. On the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, a Syrian-born UK citizen, Jihad al Shamie, drove his car at worshippers gathering outside the synagogue before attacking others with a knife and attempting to storm inside. The incident resulted in the deaths of two people, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, and left three others with serious injuries. The police response to the attack was swift, and al Shamie was fatally shot by armed officers after he ran towards them "aggressively" while carrying a knife and what was feared to be an explosive device, later identified as a fake.
The Victims and the Aftermath
The victims of the attack, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, were both described as innocent and dedicated members of their community. Mr. Daulby, who died from a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by an armed police officer, was hailed as a "quiet hero" for blocking the doors of the synagogue as it came under attack. Mr. Cravitz, a father of three, died from multiple knife wounds inflicted by al Shamie. The inquests into the deaths of both men have been adjourned until February next year, and the investigation into the attack is ongoing. Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries, with two since being released.
The Investigation and Arrests
The investigation into the attack has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West, with seven people arrested in connection with the incident. The latest arrest, a 31-year-old man, was made on suspicion of terror offences, and he can be held in custody for up to seven days from his arrest on Thursday. The police have appealed for anyone with information that may assist their enquiries to come forward, and the loved ones of the victims have been updated on the latest developments. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has found no misconduct in the police response to the attack, and the provisional findings of the inquest into al Shamie’s death were that he died of gunshot wounds.
The Response and Reactions
The attack on the Heaton Park synagogue has sparked a wave of condemnation and support from the community and beyond. The King has visited the synagogue, and the attacker’s father has called for unity in the face of such senseless violence. The police have praised the bravery and resilience of the community, and the investigation into the attack is ongoing. As the community continues to come to terms with the tragedy, the police are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent such attacks from happening again in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in preventing terrorism and promoting community safety.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the attack on the Heaton Park synagogue was a devastating and senseless act of violence that has left a community in shock and grief. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and the police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The bravery and resilience of the community have been praised, and the police are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. As the community continues to heal and rebuild, it is essential that we remain vigilant and cooperative in preventing such attacks from happening again in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting community safety and preventing terrorism, and we must all work together to create a safer and more harmonious society for everyone.
