Counter terrorism police have confirmed that the man behind the attack on the Synagogue in Crumpsall last Thursday, pledged allegiance to Islamic State in a 999 call.
Jihad Al Shamie called Greater Manchester Police minutes after the first call, claiming responsibility for the attack, whilst officers were making their way to the scene.
Lead for Counter Terrorism Policing in the North West, Rob Potts, has provided an update to the media this afternoon.
Speaking a week after the tragedy, Assistant Chief Constable Potts described a “week of deep trauma and mourning” for the Jewish community, who had been observing one of their holiest religious periods at the time.
According to witness accounts, Al Shamie was first spotted acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before being confronted by security and leaving. He returned around 15 minutes later in a black Kia and deliberately drove into members of the public before colliding with a wall.
Exiting the car armed with two knives and wearing what has since been confirmed as a hoax explosive device, he launched a further attack. During the assault, Al Shamie phoned 999, claimed responsibility, and pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
Firearms officers arrived within minutes, and with the help of security staff and worshippers, prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue.
He confirmed that the attacker had not been previously known to counter-terrorism officers and had never been referred to the government’s PREVENT programme.
Two men Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz died. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries. Specially trained officers are in frequent contact with their families to provide support.
Counter Terrorism officers have arrested and interviewed six people at length.
Two of those individuals were released without charge on Sunday evening and further releases are planned for today. Police have confirmed it doesn't mean their investigation has concluded.
ACC Potts said: "At this stage of our investigation, we are more confident that he was influenced by extreme Islamist ideology, the 999 call forms part of this assessment.
"It's important to stress that we look across all the evidence gathered to make our assessment of the motivation behind this attack, this assessment continues and there may be further drivers and motivations identified.
"We are also starting to understand more about him as an individual, and I’m grateful to all those who have contacted police with information.
"This remains a live counter terrorism investigation.
"Although we have made significant progress since the attack took place, we are still in the relatively early stages and there is much work to be done. We are also supporting the coroner with their respective investigation."
ACC Potts thanked the local community for its support as officers conduct their enquiries, and urged anyone with relevant material to submit it through the Major Incident Public Portal.
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