LONDON — Two of the Manchester synagogue attack victims seem to have been shot by cops who have been attempting to cease the assailant, the Larger Manchester Police mentioned Friday.
One of many victims with obvious gunshot wounds died in the course of the assault and the opposite stays hospitalized, police mentioned.
“The House Workplace Pathologist has suggested that he has provisionally decided, that one of many deceased victims would seem to have suffered a wound in step with a gunshot damage,” Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson mentioned in a statement.
A forensic officer works on the scene of a stabbing incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, in Crumpsall, Manchester, England, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, the assault came about Thursday.
Ian Hodgson/AP
Police mentioned they decided the victims who have been shot have been possible hit by police as a result of the suspect — who was fatally shot by police — was not in possession of any firearms, in response to their preliminary investigation.
Police alleged that Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a car right into a crowd exterior the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue early on Thursday. He then allegedly exited the car and commenced attacking individuals with a blade — actions that police mentioned have been a terrorist incident.
Because the assault unfolded, congregants blockaded themselves contained in the synagogue, maintaining Al-Shamie exterior. He was then struck and killed by police gunfire, officers mentioned.
Police Crime Scene Investigators work within the street exterior Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, on Oct. 3, 2025, following an assault on the synagogue on Thursday.
Paul Currie/AFP by way of Getty Photos
The police investigation continues on the scene close to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, England, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, the place two individuals died in a terror assault on Thursday.
Peter Byrne/AP
Each of those that appeared to have been struck by regulation enforcement have been believed to have been sheltering contained in the synagogue, the place they have been “shut collectively” behind a door as “worshippers acted bravely to forestall the attacker from gaining entry,” police mentioned.
The 2 victims killed have been recognized by police as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Daulby’s household in a press release known as him a “hero” who died whereas attempting to save lots of others.
“He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his 4 nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin,” the household mentioned. “The household is shocked by the tragic, sudden demise of such a stunning right down to earth man. His ultimate act was considered one of profound braveness and he’ll ceaselessly be remembered for his heroic act.”
Larger Manchester Police launched a photograph of synagogue assault sufferer 53-year-old Adrian Daulby.
Larger Manchester Police
Cravitz was a safety guard on the synagogue who “bravely prevented the attacker” from getting inside, in response to police.
“Melvin would do something to assist anybody. He was so form, caring and all the time needed to speak and get to know individuals,” his household mentioned in a press release. “He can be sorely missed by his spouse, household, buddies and neighborhood.”
Larger Manchester Police launched a photograph of synagogue assault sufferer 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
Larger Manchester Police
Regulation enforcement didn’t instantly say which of the victims appeared to have been hit by gunfire. The sufferer who was shot and injured was considered one of three who have been receiving therapy for accidents in native hospitals, police mentioned on Friday.
Three extra suspects — two males and a lady — have been additionally taken into custody and arrested on suspicion of fee, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism, police mentioned on Thursday.
In the meantime, Al-Shamie’s household launched a press release condemning “this heinous act, which focused peaceable, harmless civilians.”
“We totally distance ourselves from this assault and categorical our deep shock and sorrow over what has occurred,” the household mentioned. “Our hearts and ideas are with the victims and their households, and we pray for his or her energy and luxury.”
