Update 20:30 3 Oct 2025
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said:
“I want to express my deepest sympathies to all the innocent people involved in the appalling terrorist incident that took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue yesterday.
“They are at the forefront of our minds as the Counter Terrorism Policing investigation continues.
“I am now able to share more information regarding our investigation, however I must stress that we are in the relatively early stages of our enquiries, and this remains a developing picture.
“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.
“There were a large number of worshippers in attendance but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers and the fast action of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.
“Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, sadly died. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.
“We believe the suspect, who died at the scene, was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. A suspicious device that was attached to his torso was assessed and we can confirm it was a fake.
“Based on some fast time assessments conducted on our systems, this individual does not appear to be known to Counter Terrorism Policing, however he does have a non-CT related criminal history. This includes a recent arrest for rape, which resulted in him being bailed.
“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.
“I would like to once again stress that our investigation is still in its early stages. I know there is significant public interest in this case, and we will seek to provide timely updates on our progress where possible.
“We would ask people to refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information as that could potentially cause unnecessary delays in our enquiries and additional upset for all those impacted by these horrific events.
“If you have information then please contact police via the Major Incident Public Portal which is available online.”
Update 21:10 2 Oct 2025
The investigation into the attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in north Manchester this morning continues.
We can confirm that three suspects are currently in custody and 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.
Scenes remain in place on White House Avenue, Crumpsall and Langley Crescent in Prestwich, which are also linked to the arrests.
We are now able to confirm that, although formal identification is yet to take place, we believe the person responsible for today’s attacks is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. He is a British citizen of Syrian descent.
A suspicious device worn by the attacker during the incident has been assessed and was deemed not to be viable.
Based on what we currently know, our records do not show any previous Prevent referrals relating to this individual.
Two innocent men were sadly pronounced dead following the incident.
Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries. One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the car involved in the attack.
The third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.
We are working to formally identify those who have tragically been killed and provide support to their loved ones, in addition to the injured and the wider community.
We are working to understand the motivation behind the attack as the investigation continues.