Two Men Named as Victims in Manchester Synagogue Terror Attack
Manchester, UK – October 3, 2025 – Greater Manchester Police have named two men who tragically lost their lives in a horrific terror attack that targeted worshippers outside the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue on Thursday morning, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both residents of Crumpsall, have been identified as the victims. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers. Formal identification is expected to be confirmed following post-mortem examinations later this morning.
The devastating incident unfolded as a vehicle was driven at members of the public gathered outside the synagogue, followed by the attacker emerging and commencing a stabbing spree. Four other individuals were injured in the attack, with three of them remaining in hospital in serious condition.
Police have identified the suspect, who was shot dead by armed officers at the scene, as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Investigators are actively working to understand Al-Shamie's motivations, and the attack is being treated as terror-related.
At the time of his death, Al-Shamie was wearing a vest that had the appearance of an explosive device. Following a safety assessment, the device was found to be non-viable.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, overseeing the casualty response, expressed his deepest condolences to the loved ones of Mr. Daulby and Mr. Cravitz during this 'extremely hard time'. He reiterated that Family Liaison Officers will continue to provide support and updates throughout the ongoing investigation and coronial process.
In response to the attack and to provide reassurance to the community, Greater Manchester Police have deployed additional uniformed officers across North Manchester, Bury, and Salford. These officers will maintain a high-visibility presence in Jewish communities and around synagogues, with increased patrols and visits to local places of worship.
Chief Superintendent David Meeney, City of Manchester District Commander, stated, "We have taken this action to ensure that our Jewish communities and wider communities within Greater Manchester feel safe and reassured following yesterday’s tragic incident in Crumpsall". He added that officers will be present throughout the day, into the evening, and over the weekend, focusing on reassurance rather than investigation details.
Ch. Supt. Meeney acknowledged the significance of Shabbat for the Jewish faith and assured the community that efforts are being made to help them observe the religious period safely with their families and friends.
Searches were conducted at several locations, including Middleton Road, White House Avenue, and Langley Crescent, where Al-Shamie is believed to have resided. Two men were pictured being arrested on White House Avenue, though the scene there was lifted by Friday morning. The investigation into the attack continues.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both residents of Crumpsall, have been identified as the victims. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers. Formal identification is expected to be confirmed following post-mortem examinations later this morning.
The devastating incident unfolded as a vehicle was driven at members of the public gathered outside the synagogue, followed by the attacker emerging and commencing a stabbing spree. Four other individuals were injured in the attack, with three of them remaining in hospital in serious condition.
Police have identified the suspect, who was shot dead by armed officers at the scene, as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Investigators are actively working to understand Al-Shamie's motivations, and the attack is being treated as terror-related.
At the time of his death, Al-Shamie was wearing a vest that had the appearance of an explosive device. Following a safety assessment, the device was found to be non-viable.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, overseeing the casualty response, expressed his deepest condolences to the loved ones of Mr. Daulby and Mr. Cravitz during this 'extremely hard time'. He reiterated that Family Liaison Officers will continue to provide support and updates throughout the ongoing investigation and coronial process.
In response to the attack and to provide reassurance to the community, Greater Manchester Police have deployed additional uniformed officers across North Manchester, Bury, and Salford. These officers will maintain a high-visibility presence in Jewish communities and around synagogues, with increased patrols and visits to local places of worship.
Chief Superintendent David Meeney, City of Manchester District Commander, stated, "We have taken this action to ensure that our Jewish communities and wider communities within Greater Manchester feel safe and reassured following yesterday’s tragic incident in Crumpsall". He added that officers will be present throughout the day, into the evening, and over the weekend, focusing on reassurance rather than investigation details.
Ch. Supt. Meeney acknowledged the significance of Shabbat for the Jewish faith and assured the community that efforts are being made to help them observe the religious period safely with their families and friends.
Searches were conducted at several locations, including Middleton Road, White House Avenue, and Langley Crescent, where Al-Shamie is believed to have resided. Two men were pictured being arrested on White House Avenue, though the scene there was lifted by Friday morning. The investigation into the attack continues.
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