Police missed chance to examine Manchester synagogue attacker’s phone

A police chief has apologized after admitting the Manchester synagogue attacker’s phones were seized months before the car and knife attack but were not examined.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for alleged rape when he carried out the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on October 2, 2025, in which two Jewish men were killed.

His devices, which contained evidence of his extremist views, were seized after his arrest in February and September but were not analysed.

Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said he was “deeply sorry” and acknowledged that “the information contained in these devices will inspire further investigative action”.

Sir Stephen said: “While conducting an internal review, it emerged that GMP had seized Al-Shamie’s mobile devices at the time of each arrest.

“The importance of the data content of these devices was of great importance as it revealed an extremist mentality.

“I am disappointed that the suffering of those affected by the terrible events of last October could be exacerbated.

“I’m so sorry about this.”

The apology came after Mohammed Bashir was sentenced to at least 17 years in prison for planning a separate attack on England’s Defense Academy in Shrivenham with Al-Shamie.

In the case heard at Manchester Crown Court, details emerged that the two discussed their extremist views, including preparations for “war”, in WhatsApp chats.

Footage of the moment when Al Shami and Bashir discussed martyrdom was shown in court.