Greater Manchester police have named 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, as the suspect in the fatal stabbing and vehicle attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall. The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, leaving two members of the Jewish community dead and three people in hospital.
Police shot the suspect dead at the scene near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. He appeared to be wearing an explosive device, which was later assessed and deemed not viable. The force confirmed that records do not show any previous Prevent referrals relating to Al-Shamie, who entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006.
Three people are in custody on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism: two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Scenes remain in place on White House Avenue and Langley Crescent linked to the arrests.
Officers were called at 9.31am after a witness reported a car being driven at members of the public and a man being stabbed. The national 'Plato' terror response was declared at 9.37am. Thanks to the bravery of worshippers, security staff and a fast police response, the attacker was prevented from entering the synagogue.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer returned early from Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting. Religious leaders, including the Archbishop of York and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, condemned the violence and called for societal cohesion.
