A terrorist who killed two people outside a Manchester synagogue called 999 during his attack to pledge allegiance to so-called Islamic State, sources said. Jihad Al-Shamie made the call claiming responsibility while carrying out the deadly assault on worshippers last Thursday morning.
The 35-year-old drove his car at Jewish worshippers outside Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall as they attended services for the holy day of Yom Kippur. He then launched a knife attack on others before attempting to storm the synagogue building.
Al-Shamie wore a fake suicide belt during the rampage as he tried to force his way into the synagogue. His apparent goal was to continue his knife attack inside the building where more worshippers had gathered.
Victims and casualties
Father-of-three Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed in the attack outside the synagogue. Adrian Daulby, 53, also died but is believed to have been inadvertently shot by police as he ran to block the synagogue doors to prevent Al-Shamie from entering.
Three men remain in hospital with serious injuries following the attack. A security guard suffered car impact injuries while a Community Security Trust worker sustained stab wounds during the incident.
Terror investigation
Counter-terror police believe Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was influenced by extremist Islamist ideology. The investigation into his radicalisation and the planning of the attack continues as authorities examine his background and potential connections.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
