The families of two men killed in a terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester have paid tribute to them as heroes. Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died while attempting to stop the assailant on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Daulby's family described him as a hero who 'tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others'. Police believe he was accidentally shot by an officer while holding a synagogue door shut. Another worshipper, Yoni Finlay, remains in hospital with a gunshot wound.
Cravitz, thought to have been stabbed at the synagogue gate, was remembered by his family as 'kind, caring' and 'devoted to his wife, family'. Greater Manchester Police said his post-mortem examination would take place later on Friday.
The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, used a car to ram into the grounds before stabbing worshippers. Armed officers shot him after a six-minute rampage. Three others have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.
At a vigil, Rabbi Daniel Walker said Daulby and Finlay 'blocked the terrorist', and described both victims as 'truly wonderful, special men'. Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes extended sympathy to the families, assuring them of support throughout the coronial process.
