Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson has apologised for missing an opportunity to investigate Islamic extremist Jihad Al-Shamie before he killed two people at Heaton Park Synagogue in October last year.
Mobile devices belonging to Al-Shamie, who was on bail for rape at the time, had been seized by detectives before the attack. Those devices contained evidence of an 'extremist mindset', Sir Stephen said, but had not been examined by the time the 35-year-old stabbed two worshippers to death on Yom Kippur.
Chief Constable's Apology
In a statement 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."
Co-Conspirator Jailed
The 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 sentenced to life in prison. The pair made a 10-hour round trip to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham to conduct hostile reconnaissance. Bashir pleaded guilty to preparing a terrorist act in connection with their targeting of the Defence Academy. He was not charged in connection with the Heaton Park attack.
Prosecutors said that had he lived, Al-Shamie would also have been prosecuted alongside Bashir on the same charge.
Firefighters Under Investigation
Three firefighters are under investigation after they allegedly gave rides to children on their engine during a community open day. One of the kids was a little boy recovering from cancer. It is said the experience 'made his day'. An unnamed firefighter said: "The brigade is always pushing community engagement, then they react like this, which is completely over the top."
Dry Spell Continues
According to the local weather blog Oldham Weather, Greater Manchester has not seen a drop of rain for 21 days. So far July has only seen 4mm of rain, compared to the average of almost 90mm. But it looks like there might be a short-term reprieve this weekend.
