Three police officers who shot and killed the Manchester terrorist, as well as one of the victims, are being questioned as ‘witnesses’ to the terror attack, according to a watchdog. The incident involved Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, who claimed responsibility for the attack after driving at worshippers in his car outside Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue during Yom Kippur.
Al-Shamie reportedly told an operator: ‘I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State.’ He then attacked others with a knife and attempted to storm the synagogue while wearing a fake suicide belt.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with ‘s
News Updates
newsletter or get
Breaking News
alerts the moment it happens.
Melvin Cravitz, a father-of-three aged 66, was killed, along with Adrian Daulby, 53, who was inadvertently shot by police as he ran to block the synagogue doors to stop Al-Shamie from continuing his knife rampage.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that the three officers who were caught on camera shooting Al-Shamie dead are being treated as ‘witnesses’. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson welcomed the watchdog’s finding that ‘no misconduct is apparent’ in the force’s response.
Emily Barry, IOPC Director, stated: ‘We have also been in contact with Mr Daulby’s family, along with the other man injured in the incident and his family, to explain our role and will continue to provide support as needed.’
Mr Daulby suffered a single but fatal gunshot wound. The other man also suffered a single gunshot wound and received medical treatment for his injuries. A ballistic expert confirmed these injuries were caused by a police-issue firearm, though investigations are still ongoing.
Rob Potts, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing in the north west, said: ‘Minutes after the first call was made to GMP and as firearms officers were making their way to the scene, Al Shamie called 999 claiming responsibility for the attack. He also pledged allegiance to Islamic State.’
The attack continued, but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers, and the fast action of police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access to the synagogue. Potts added that the police investigation continues and reiterated that while Al-Shamie was on bail for an alleged rape, he was not known to either the Government’s anti-radicalisation program Prevent or to counter terror police.
He added: ‘However, at this stage of our investigation, we are more confident that he was influenced by extreme Islamist ideology, the 999 call forms part of this assessment. This remains a live counter terrorism investigation.’
Potts confirmed the killer had been seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue shortly before launching the attack. Counter-terror police believe that Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was influenced by extremist Islamist ideology.
He continued: ‘This was not reported to police because the man walked away when challenged. Around 15 minutes later, he returned to the scene in a black Kia vehicle and deliberately drove the car at innocent members of the public before colliding with a wall. He then stepped out of the vehicle armed with a knife and resumed his attack. He had a second knife in his possession and was also wearing a hoax device on his person.’
Potts added: ‘This has been a week of deep trauma and mourning for the Jewish community at a time when they should have been observing one of the holiest periods in the calendar of their faith. From the moment the first call came into police, our efforts have been driven by a desire to establish the truth for all those affected and the wider community. They have been at the forefront of our minds and continue to be in our thoughts today.’
Three men remain in hospital with serious injuries, including a security guard with car-impact injuries and a Community Security Trust (CST) worker with stab wounds.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Stay up to date with the stories everybody’s talking about by signing up to ‘s News Updates newsletter.
