🔗 Share this article

Two individuals fatally injured in a violent incident on a synagogue in Manchester have been revealed by law enforcement as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Three others are still hospitalized with critical wounds after the attacker drove a vehicle into individuals before using a bladed weapon on Thursday morning.

The attack, which police have said was a terrorist incident, came on the Day of Atonement, the most important observance in the Jewish religious calendar.

The assailant, who was fatally shot at the location, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian heritage who was not previously identified to counter terrorism police, as stated by official statements.

Community Response

"Right now our hearts are shattered," the nation's top rabbinical authority commented.

In an interview with a major broadcast, he said: "Yesterday's events was a devastating impact to us, something which actually we were fearing might happen because of the escalating tensions."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for Jews in Britain "but for everyone in our country," he continued.

Security Measures

"Our obligation is to ensure our Jewish citizens, our residents can conduct their daily activities with security and assurance," a cabinet minister announced.

"It is unacceptable that Jewish citizens in our country to feel compelled to live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot conduct their affairs and follow their beliefs and visit their worship places in freedom," she stated.

The assailant was not identified to security services, she stated to media outlets, and it was "not yet possible" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Investigation Update

The criminal probe was "progressing rapidly" and there was an enhanced security deployment at synagogues across the UK.

"Funding is available for safety resources," the representative said, adding: "We must evaluate what further actions we can take to combat increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."

Law enforcement officials said they were providing help to loved ones of the two men killed.

"Sincere condolences are with the families of the victims at this incredibly difficult period," law enforcement leadership stated.

He confirmed that designated family representatives were in contact with them and would maintain assistance through the official inquiries.

"Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and concerns and to guaranteeing that the deceased and their relatives' requests are respected," he added, mentioning that the both victims were from the local area.

Post-mortems are scheduled on Friday, as confirmed by government statements.