Six arrested as counter terror police widen investigation into Crumpsall synagogue attack

Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that six people have now been arrested following a terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, with detectives seeking extended detention warrants as the investigation continues.

The attack took place on Sunday outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, where two worshippers, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed and three others left seriously injured.

The suspect, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, died at the scene. A device found on his torso was confirmed to be fake.

On Wednesday evening, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor released a full statement confirming the arrest of three further people, one man and two women aged between 18 and their mid-40s, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to six. All have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The full statement reads as follows:

“I want to express my deepest sympathies to all the innocent people involved in the appalling terrorist incident that took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue yesterday.

“They are at the forefront of our minds as the Counter Terrorism Policing investigation continues.

“I am now able to share more information regarding our investigation, however I must stress that we are in the relatively early stages of our enquiries, and this remains a developing picture.

“We have been told from witness accounts that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security and walked away. Based on the information we have at this time, we don’t believe this was reported to Greater Manchester Police because the man had left the area.

“Around 15 minutes later, the individual returned in a vehicle and began his horrific attack.

“There were a large number of worshippers in attendance but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers and the fast action of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.

“Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, sadly died. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.

“We believe the suspect, who died at the scene, was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. A suspicious device that was attached to his torso was assessed and we can confirm it was a fake.

“Based on some fast time assessments conducted on our systems, this individual does not appear to be known to Counter Terrorism Policing, however he does have a non-CT related criminal history. This includes a recent arrest for rape, which resulted in him being bailed.

“At this stage, we believe Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. Establishing the full circumstances of the attack is likely to take some time.

“We have now arrested three further people, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s. This brings the number of people in custody arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six.

“We will be seeking warrants of further detention for all six individuals and will seek to issue an update on this later.

“I would like to once again stress that our investigation is still in its early stages. I know there is significant public interest in this case, and we will seek to provide timely updates on our progress where possible.

“We would ask people to refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information as that could potentially cause unnecessary delays in our enquiries and additional upset for all those impacted by these horrific events.

The incident is being treated as terrorism. Investigators are still working to determine whether others played any role in helping the attacker or had prior knowledge of his actions.