Police bullet killed victim at Manchester synagogue

The victim, who has not been named, was caught in the crossfire by armed police who killed the attacker, named as Jihad al-Shamie, fearing he was wearing an explosive vest. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the Jewish holy day.

In a Facebook post this morning, Al-Shamie’s father Faraj al-Shamie, a trauma surgeon who has worked around the world for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, said the family “condemn” his “heinous act”.

Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, visited the synagogue on Friday for what was described as a moment of private reflection. The prime minister called the attacker a “vile individual” and vowed to protect the UK's Jewish community .

Stephen Watson, the chief constable, said the only shots fired outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday were by armed police and that Al-Shamie had not been carrying a gun.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died after Al-Shamie drove into a group of worshippers before stabbing a man. Three other victims are in hospital, one of whom was also hit by a police bullet.

The Observer understands that the second man had been among congregants barricading the door as Al-Shamie tried to gain entry, and that the bullet struck him through the door. Sources in the local Jewish community said that many shots had been fired at Al-Shamie.

Watson said the gunshot victim’s condition is not life-threatening, but questions will be asked about the safety of the police firearms response. He said: “The Home Office pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.

“It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al-Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP’s authorised firearms officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.

“It follows, therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”

Watson added: “We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims receiving treatment in hospital has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life-threatening.

“It is believed both victims were close together behind the synagogue door as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”

Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was from Prestwich in north Manchester a short walk from the synagogue. Neighbours described the family as “very nice” and said that Al-Shamie, believed to have recently had a child, was a weightlifting enthusiast.

Police say three other suspects – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – were arrested yesterday and are currently in custody on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

In the Facebook post, Al-Shamie’s father wrote: “The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

“The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians. We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

“We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.

“May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”

Photograph by Peter Byrne/PA