Copycat attacks feared after Manchester synagogue massacre on holiest Jewish day

Counter-terrorism officers and security services were put on high alert last night over concerns of potential copycat strikes following the Manchester synagogue attack.

Authorities identified the attacker as Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British national of Syrian heritage. His background shows no previous referral to the government's anti-terrorism programme, Prevent.

ThePrime Ministercautioned that anti-Semitic hatred was "rising once again" as officers were stationed to safeguard Jewish places of worship nationwide following the Manchester incident, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.

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Al-Shamie, donning a belt that appeared to be an explosive device, was gunned down outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall after ramming his vehicle into bystanders before launching a knife attack on people.

He was fatally shot within seven minutes of the initial emergency call to police. The Times revealed that al-Shamie was not under active surveillance by intelligence agencies.

Preliminary investigations suggest he was unknown to security officials. Two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties were detained in relation to the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the men being escorted from a residence close to the synagogue, reports the Express.

In an update form Police this morning the two men killed in the attack have been named as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, both from Crumpsall.

Whilst formal identification is yet to take place their families have been informed and Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them and offering support.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who’s co-ordinating the casualty response, said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.

“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them. They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process

“Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones’ wishes are respected.”

Extra police officers have been deployed across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance following yesterday’s attacks.

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