Counter-terrorism police have been granted warrants to hold four suspects in custody until Wednesday following this week's attack at a Manchester synagogue. Six people were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, but two have been released without charge.
The attack, which took place on Yom Kippur, saw Jihad al-Shamie drive a car at members of the public before stabbing worshippers at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. Three people died, including Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, who was killed by a stray police bullet. Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by armed officers.
Police believe Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology and have disclosed he was on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack. The detained suspects include two men aged 30 and 32 and two women aged 61 and 46, arrested in Prestwich and Farnworth. Under terrorism legislation, suspects can be held for up to 14 days with court approval.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch visited the scene and called for greater security for Jewish communities, noting some were leaving the UK for Israel. She highlighted the rise in antisemitism since the 7 October attacks and stressed the need for safety on British streets.
