The Community Security Trust (CST) has said the revelation that police seized the mobile devices of Heaton Park synagogue terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie but failed to examine them before the attack was 'distressing'.
It was revealed that 35-year-old Al-Shamie was twice arrested in the months leading up to the attack last October, the second time just a fortnight before the atrocity. Both times his devices were seized by detectives but had not yet been examined before Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed during his rampage outside the synagogue on Yom Kippur.
Police apology
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) chief constable Sir Stephen Watson said an internal review had found that 'the significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset'. 'It is for the IOPC and the Coronial Inquests to determine the impact of not reviewing the contents of the devices,' he said. 'There can however, be little doubt that the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action.'
He added: 'It is clear that our not having reviewed the data available to us prior to the attack constitutes a missed opportunity', and said on behalf of the force he was 'deeply sorry'.
CST response
The CST welcomed the police apology and said the revelations do not detract from the 'courage' of the officers who responded on the day or the support from police in the aftermath. In a statement, they said: 'It will obviously be distressing for the bereaved families, survivors, and the wider Jewish community to now learn that evidence relating to Jihad al-Shamie’s extremist mindset was available to police but not examined prior to the terrible attack.'
'We appreciate Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson’s apology and Greater Manchester Police’s candour about this matter. None of this detracts from the courage of the officers who responded on the day of the Heaton Park Synagogue attack, or the continuous support that the police have shown to Manchester’s Jewish community since then.'
'CST will continue to work closely with GMP, the CPS and our other partners to protect the Jewish community and wider society from the threats of antisemitism, extremism and terrorism.'
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.
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 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.
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.
Mr Cravitz died from stab wounds whilst Mr Daulby died as a result of 'a single stray or possibly deflected bullet' fired by police as Al-Shamie was shot dead, which 'penetrated the synagogue door' and struck him in the chest, inquest openings were previously told.
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.'
