Police issue major update on Manchester synagogue attack | UK | News
Counter-terrorism police have issued an important update on the synagogue attack in Manchester. Deputy Chief Constable Rob Potts, of North West Counter Terrorism Police, confirmed that two of the six men arrested for the attack had been released without charge and more were scheduled to be released today (Wednesday, October 8).
Mr Potts also said killer Jihad Al-Shamie called 999 during his deadly rampage and pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group. The 35-year-old man claimed responsibility for the attack after driving into worshipers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, as they attended the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur last Thursday morning.
He then attacked others with a knife and tried to attack the synagogue wearing a fake suicide belt.
The father of three was killed along with 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz and 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, who is believed to have been accidentally shot by police as they ran to close the synagogue doors to prevent Al-Shamie from continuing his knife attack.
Counter-terrorism police believe Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born British national, was influenced by Islamic extremist ideology.
Briefing the public on the ongoing police investigation, Mr Potts said: “Within minutes of the initial call to GMP and as firearms officers were advancing towards the scene, Al Shamie took responsibility for the attack and called 999.
“He also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. The attack continued, but thanks to the courage of security personnel, worshipers and the rapid response of the police, the attacker was prevented from entering the synagogue.”
Mr Potts said the police investigation was ongoing and reiterated that although Al-Shamie was granted bail for the alleged rape, he was not recognized by either the Government’s counter-radicalisation programme, PREVENT, or counter-terrorism police.
He added: “However, at this stage of our investigation we are more confident that he was influenced by Islamic extremist ideology. The 999 call forms part of that assessment. This remains a live counter-terrorism investigation.”
Mr Potts confirmed the killer had been acting suspiciously outside the synagogue shortly before launching the attack. He said this was not reported to police because the man walked away when challenged.
He said about 15 minutes later, Al-Shamie returned to the scene in a black Kia and deliberately drove the car into innocent people, then crashed into a wall.
Al-Shamie then got out of the vehicle with a knife in his hand and continued his attack. Mr Potts said Al-Shamie was in possession of a second knife and also wore a fake device on his person.
Mr Potts added: “This has been a week of profound trauma and mourning for the Jewish community, at a time when they must observe one of the holiest periods in their faith calendar.
“From the moment the first call came to the police, our efforts have been driven by a desire to uncover the truth for everyone affected and the wider community.
“They were at the forefront of our minds and continue to be in our thoughts today.”
Three men remained in hospital with serious injuries, including a security guard injured after being hit by a car and a Community Safety Trust (CST) worker injured by a knife.
