The police watchdog has found no evidence of misconduct in the fatal shooting of a man who was inadvertently killed by armed officers while trying to stop a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that three Greater Manchester Police officers who fired their weapons during the incident are being treated as witnesses as the case remains under review.
Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a "single but fatal gunshot" wound after running to block the synagogue doors to prevent attacker Jihad Al-Shamie from entering the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall last Thursday. Father-of-three Melvin Cravitz, 66, was also killed in the knife attack, while another man remains in hospital with a "single gunshot wound" caused by a police-issue firearm.
Investigation details
The IOPC investigation will examine whether police "may have caused or contributed to the death of Mr Daulby" and any role officers played in the injuries to the hospitalised man. A ballistics expert is working to understand how the injured man received his wound, with the watchdog gathering significant evidence about officers' use of lethal force during the attack.
IOPC director Emily Barry said: "This was a tragic incident in which innocent people lost their lives, and others were seriously injured. Families, and the wider community, are grieving the loss of loved ones following this act of senseless violence." The organisation is working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing North West to ensure both investigations progress smoothly.
Police response welcomed
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson welcomed the IOPC's finding that "no misconduct is apparent" in his officers' actions during the attack. He praised his officers' bravery and said the force had been "inundated with messages of thanks and support" from the public.
Sir Stephen said: "I welcome this continued support and acknowledge the fact that the IOPC have today confirmed their finding that no misconduct is apparent in the actions required of our officers in bringing this dreadful attack to an end." The force has committed to full transparency about all previous dealings with the terrorist.
Prior contact investigation
Al-Shamie was on bail for rape allegations at the time of the attack, having been arrested over the past year for reports of harassment and rape. Greater Manchester Police has asked the IOPC to include this aspect in their ongoing review to ensure complete transparency about prior contact with the attacker.
The IOPC confirmed it has received a further referral from the force regarding previous contact with Al-Shamie since December 2024, when an allegation of rape was made against him. The watchdog is currently assessing available information to determine whether a separate investigation into this matter is required.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
