Greater Manchester Police has deployed hundreds of additional officers across the city following a deadly attack on a synagogue that left two Jewish men dead and sparked terrorism investigations.
Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz were killed on Thursday when Jihad Al-Shamie drove a vehicle into worshippers outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester. The attacker then attempted to force entry into the building before armed police shot him dead. Three others sustained injuries during the incident.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes revealed that officers have been working extended 12-hour shifts with rest days cancelled to maintain a heightened security presence. Additional support has been provided by neighboring police forces to ensure adequate coverage across Manchester’s Jewish communities and the wider city.
“We’ve got lots of officers and staff out there – very, very visible,” ACC Sykes stated. The increased deployment comes as Manchester prepares to host the Conservative Party Conference beginning Sunday, adding another layer to security planning.
Police investigations have intensified, with four individuals remaining in custody on suspicion of terrorism offences. Two men aged 30 and 32, along with women aged 61 and 46, have been granted warrants of further detention allowing authorities to hold them for up to five additional days. An 18-year-old woman and 43-year-old man were released without charges.
Authorities conducted raids across Manchester and Bolton in connection with the attack. The investigation revealed that Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian heritage, was not previously known to Counter Terrorism Police but had been recently released on bail following a rape arrest.
Tragically, police confirmed that one victim, Mr. Daulby, was killed by police gunfire as officers engaged the attacker. Another person, Yoni Finlay, was also injured by police bullets and remains hospitalized.
The incident has reignited debate about the appropriateness of planned demonstrations, with police officials questioning Saturday’s pro-Palestinian march in the city center. ACC Sykes emphasized the need to consider what is appropriate while grieving the victims.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced tense questioning during a solidarity visit to a London synagogue on Saturday, where community members expressed anger over rising antisemitism in Britain. Despite the difficult exchanges, community leaders praised his attendance and commitment to dialogue. Sir Keir condemned the attack and pledged to protect Jewish communities from anti-Semitic hatred.
