A person who died in Thursday's terror attack at a Manchester synagogue suffered a gunshot wound as armed police attempted to stop the killer, according to Greater Manchester Police. The victim was one of two people killed when terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie drove into a group outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall before stabbing a man.
Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66, died in the attack. Al-Shamie did not possess a firearm, with police confirming the only shots fired were by armed officers working to prevent him entering the synagogue.
Police response under investigation
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the Home Office pathologist had provisionally determined that one deceased victim appeared to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury. The police chief explained that forensic examination would determine whether this injury was sustained as a consequence of urgent action taken by officers to end the attack.
"It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al-Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP's authorised firearms officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community," Sir Stephen said.
Hospital victim also wounded
A third victim currently receiving hospital treatment has also suffered a gunshot wound, though medical professionals confirmed this is not life-threatening. Sir Stephen said both gunshot victims were believed to have been close together behind the synagogue door when the incident occurred.
"It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry," the Chief Constable added. The investigation continues as authorities examine the full circumstances of the police response during the attack.
Sources used: "Greater Manchester Police"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
