Victims named in Heaton Park Synagogue attack

Friday, 3 October 2025 07:40

By David Murphy

Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

The two men who tragically lost their lives in the Heaton Park Synagogue attack have been named locally as Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, as police continue their investigation.

Two much-loved members of Greater Manchester’s Jewish community have been named as the victims of Thursday’s fatal attack at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.

Whilst formal identification has not yet been completed, police believe the victims to be 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, both from Crumpsall.

Family Liaison Officers are working closely with their loved ones, providing updates and support as the investigation continues.

Home Office post-mortems are due to take place later this morning.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who is leading the casualty response, said:

"My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time. Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them. They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process.

“Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones’ wishes are respected.”

The synagogue community has been left in shock following the attack, with tributes expected to be paid in the coming days. Police enquiries remain ongoing.

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.