Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that three people (including the attacker) died in a vehicle‑ramming and stabbing terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester.

The two civilian victims have been named as Adrian Daulby, 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both from Crumpsall.

One of the fatalities appears to have been caused by police gunfire. GMP says that one of the deceased “would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.”

The suspect is said to have been shot on site by police officers within seven minutes of the original call.

In addition, three people were hospitalised.

Manchester Synagogue terrorist attack

The attack occurred just after 09:30 BST on 2 October when a car was driven toward people outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue.

The driver reportedly exited the vehicle and began stabbing bystanders.

Police have named the suspected attacker as 35‑year‑old Jihad Al‑Shamie.

According to BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner “Al‑Shamie” translates from Arabic as “the Syrian,” suggesting the name may be a nom de guerre, a tactic sometimes adopted by jihadist perpetrators.

Suspect not known to counter-terrorism police

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed condolences to the families of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz and the broader Jewish community.

Mahmood has confirmed that the suspect, Jihad Al‑Shamie, was not previously known to counter‑terrorism authorities.

The Prime Minister said there would be additional police “assets” at synagogues across the UK.

Yom Kippur

According to a scheduled post on Heaton Park Synagogue’s website, worshippers were due to gather at 9:00 AM for a prayer service to mark Yom Kippur.

The timing of an attack on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar feels to many like it is designed to maximise the hurt felt across Jewish communities.

Worshippers helped prevent attacker

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson commented: “There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.”

Speaking on the attacker, Watson stated that he was wearing a vest “which had the appearance of an explosive device.