Two men killed in synagogue terror attack named as police admit tragic mistake

The two men killed in the Manchester synagogue terror attack have been named – as it emerged one of the victims was mistakenly shot by police.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died in the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The force said one of the victims died after apparently being shot by police as they tried to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue.

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“Hs 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,” Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said.

He was believed to have been behind the synagogue door, close to another victim, who is in hospital with a gunshot wound, but their condition is not life-threatening.

Both of the men who died are from Crumpsall.

Relatives of Mr Cravitz told Sky News north of England correspondent Katerina Vittozzi he was a “gentle giant” who “would never harm a fly” and they felt “sick” when they found out he was one of the victims.

His cousin Phil Bentley said his death was even more tragic as Mr Cravitz would never normally be at the synagogue that early in the day.

Mr Bentley’s wife, Evayne, said: “He didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves this.”

She said the attack would have a “massive impact” on the Jewish community locally and she didn’t feel safe in the UK.

Hindi Cohen, a friend and neighbour, said Mr Cravitz was a “lovely man” with a good sense of humour, adding: “Our kids loved him. He called himself uncle Melvin to my kids.”

Mr Daulby has been described by one of his neighbours as “one of the best guys I’ve ever seen in my life”.

Abdul Rahimi, who lived next to the 53-year-old for 20 years, told Sky News he was a “great neighbour” who often bought books and toys for children on their street.

“He was a very, very good man,” he said.

The force said there will be more officers on patrol throughout the region today – and increased visits to places of worship so communities “feel safe and reassured”.

Chief Superintendent David Meeney added: “People in North Manchester, Bury, Salford, within Jewish communities, and around synagogues can expect to see uniformed officers on patrol in vehicles and on foot throughout today, into this evening, and over the weekend.

“They are there to reassure you and, whilst they may not be able to answer questions about the investigation, they will be happy to reassure you about the actions we are taking to ensure communities are safe and feel safe.

“We are conscious of the significance of Fridays and Saturdays in the Jewish faith, and will be doing everything we can to help communities mark Shabbat with their families and friends as they wish.”

On Thursday, the force named the suspect as Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old who is believed to be a British citizen of Syrian descent.

He is understood to have been granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16 years old, having entered the UK as a young child.

Three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Al Shamie allegedly drove a car towards the gates of the synagogue and then began attacking people with a knife on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day.

He was stopped from getting inside by security staff and members of the congregation. Police shot him dead minutes later, fearing that he was wearing a suicide device.

Three men remain in a serious condition in hospital. One suffered a stab wound, a second was hurt after being hit by the car, and the third has an injury possibly “sustained as officers stopped the attacker”.