Greater Manchester Police have today apologised for missing an opportunity to investigate Manchester synagogue terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie before he carried out the deadly attack.
Mobile devices belonging to Al-Shamie, who was on bail for rape at the time, had been seized by detectives before he murdered two people at Heaton Park synagogue in October last year. Those devices contained evidence of an 'extremist mindset', GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said today, but hadn't been examined by the time the 35-year-old stabbed two worshippers to death on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Chief Constable's apology
In a statement today Sir Stephen said he was 'deeply sorry' for the 'missed opportunity'. He said: "In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shamie’s mobile devices. The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset."
"Regrettably, I can confirm that the significance of the information stored on Al-Shamie’s devices was not realised as they had not been examined before the attack took place on October 2. It is for the IOPC and the coronial inquests to determine the impact of not reviewing the contents of the devices."
"There can however, be little doubt that the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action. It is clear that our not having reviewed the data available to us prior to the attack constitutes a missed opportunity."
Details of the case
Al-Shamie, who was shot dead at the scene by police marksmen, was arrested on February 13, 2025 on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order. He was arrested again on September 21 on suspicion of rape and bailed. On both occasions his devices were seized. He carried out the attack just a fortnight after the second arrest.
Reportedly a university dropout, Al-Shamie was born in Syria but was granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16, having entered the UK as a young child. The force earlier said he had a conviction for possession of Class B drugs in 2012. He also had a 'street warning' for cannabis when he was a teenager and had received a penalty notice for shoplifting.
Related investigation and sentencing
Details emerged after Mohammad Bashir was jailed for plotting with Al-Shamie to carry out a separate terrorist attack at a defence base in Oxfordshire. The 31-year-old, of Crumpsall, was today jailed for 17 years. The pair made a 10 hour round trip to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham to conduct hostile reconnaissance.
No attack ever took place. But about seven weeks later, Al-Shamie drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of Heaton Park synagogue and began attacking worshippers with a knife while he wore a fake suicide belt. Bashir was not involved in the synagogue attack.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing GMP's handling of past investigations into Al-Shamie.
Sir Stephen added: "It is my fervent hope and expectation that the continuing independent reviews and processes will be able to draw together all the available evidence such as to leave no question unanswered. In the interim, GMP will continue to act transparently, with candour and in a manner which fully embraces our accountability."
"I have already made direct contact with those personally affected by Al-Shamie’s barbarism, together with representatives of our Jewish community, to apprise them of this development. I thank them for their continuing support."
