British citizen of Syrian descent named after deadly Manchester synagogue terror attack

Thursday, 2 October 2025 21:09

By David Murphy

Two killed, three injured and three arrested after shocking morning violence in north Manchester.

Three people are in custody following a deadly incident outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in north Manchester, which is being treated as a suspected terrorist attack.

Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. Searches are ongoing at linked addresses on White House Avenue in Crumpsall and Langley Crescent in Prestwich.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, investigators believe the attacker was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. He died at the scene.

A suspicious device worn by Al-Shamie was assessed by specialist teams and found to be non-viable.

Tragically, two innocent men were pronounced dead following the incident. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.

According to Counter Terrorism Policing, one man was stabbed and another was struck by a vehicle. A third man presented himself at hospital later with an injury believed to have been sustained as officers intervened.

The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Officers have confirmed there were no previous Prevent referrals related to the suspect.

Counter Terrorism Policing said: “We are working to formally identify those who have tragically been killed and provide support to their loved ones, in addition to the injured and the wider community.”

Police continue to investigate at multiple scenes and are asking anyone with information to contact the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

First-person experience of car setting on fire & fire crew response

It started with a smell. A soldering iron smell, like hot metal wires.
Tribute paid to Oldham man who died after three vehicle collision in Royton

A man who died following a collision involving three vehicles in Royton has been named as Michael Margetson from Oldham. His wife has paid tribute to him and asked for privacy for the family.
Bee Network bus changes to boost services in Bury and Rochdale

New and improved bus services are set to be introduced across Bury and Rochdale as part of a wider upgrade to the Bee Network later this year.
Gabrielle to headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2026 with Ash and Starsailor

Rochdale Feel Good Festival has announced its main stage headliners for summer 2026, with Gabrielle set to perform in the town centre.
Two men arrested after Rochdale shooting as police continue investigation

Two men have been arrested following a shooting in Rochdale earlier this month. Officers say enquiries are ongoing and patrols have been increased in the area.
Rochdale council invests £900000 to expand children’s homes for young people with complex needs

Rochdale Borough Council has approved £900000 to create four new solo children’s homes in the borough. The move aims to help more cared for children and young people live closer to home.
Community Iftar brings Rochdale organisations and residents together at Unity House

A community Iftar in Rochdale brought together residents, civic leaders and local organisations to mark the holy month of Ramadan and share the breaking of the fast.
Tony Walsh to host Rochdale poetry event celebrating town’s cultural year

Performance poet Tony Walsh will host an afternoon of live poetry in Rochdale as part of the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. The event will take place at Number One Riverside on Saturday 21 March and will also launch two poetry anthologies created by local writers.
Rochdale theatre company tours schools programme tackling child criminal exploitation

A Rochdale production company is touring a theatre programme designed to help primary school pupils recognise the signs of grooming and child criminal exploitation.
All seven dogs recovered after van theft

The final dog taken when a dog walker’s van was stolen in Oldham has now been found, bringing the total number of recovered animals to seven. Police said the dogs were abandoned after the vehicle was taken from Medlock Road in Failsworth.
Creative messages for mums go on display at The Rock for Mother’s Day

More than 100 people entered a Mother’s Day competition at The Rock Shopping and Leisure Centre, with ten winners seeing their messages displayed on floral themed boards in the centre.
Rochdale Music Stories presents Kenion Street at Heywood Civic

Manchester is known by many for its historically renowned music scene; however, the scenes and sounds of Madchester, Oasis and the likes commonly overshadow the notable influence of surrounding towns within Greater Manchester. Rochdale, Greater Manchester Town of Culture for 2026, is one of those towns whose musical influence is understated and a lot of the time, unknown.