Neighbours of Jihad al-Shamie, the man who attacked a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, have told the Guardian they reported concerns to police about his radicalisation and attempts to preach the Quran to local children. The 35-year-old killed two worshippers before being shot dead by police.
One neighbour said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Shamie and a family member began wearing traditional Islamic dress, holding private gatherings in the garden, and preaching the Quran on their street. The neighbour reported the behaviour to Greater Manchester Police in 2020 or 2021, saying it was 'intimidating' and 'intrusive'.
Police have said Shamie was not known to counter-terrorism officials before the attack, but the disclosure raises questions about how seriously the concerns were investigated. Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.
Another neighbour described a change in the family during the pandemic, with followers congregating in the front garden for private gatherings. Police reportedly visited the family home earlier this year over safeguarding concerns.
Shamie had suffered a serious fall from a cliff about 20 years ago, causing brain damage, which neighbours said made him reclusive. He was also on police bail for an alleged rape at the time of the synagogue attack.
Shamie's father, Faraj al-Shamie, condemned the attack as a 'heinous act' and expressed shock and sorrow, distancing the family from the violence.
