Manchester Synagogue Attack: A Casualty Appears to Have Been Shot by Officers

During a tragic development, one of the victims killed at the Heaton Park synagogue assault is believed to have been fatally wounded by armed police officers.

Police Announcement Confirms Gunshot Wound

The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police announced that the Home Office pathologist has initially concluded the man died of a gunshot wound.

“We sought guidance overnight from forensic specialists ahead of full postmortem examinations set to occur this afternoon. The expert indicated that he has provisionally determined a victim likely sustained a injury consistent with a firearm wound.”

Attacker Information

The suspect, a 35-year-old individual, did not have a firearm, and the only shots fired came from authorized firearms personnel at the scene.

It is believed the deceased was among those behind the synagogue door trying to stop the attacker from entering the building.

Consequences of Police Action

“Thus, it appears pending further forensic examination, the wound was unfortunately incurred as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the urgently required action employed by my officers to halt this brutal assault.”

Names Released

The two victims killed in the attack at Heaton Park synagogue located in Manchester on Thursday had been named as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old.

These individuals lost their lives when a car was used to ram into the property of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then stabbed worshippers in a six-minute rampage that concluded after police with firearms shot at him twice, killing him at the door of the temple.

Further Harm

Three more people sustained major injuries in the attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year.

The chief constable added, “Medical professionals have informed us that another injured person now hospitalized has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is fortunately non-fatal. It is believed both victims were near each other at the entrance, as worshippers acted bravely to stop the assailant from getting inside.”

Community Support

“We extend our condolences are directed toward the affected relatives, and the wider community, touched by these events in the region and elsewhere. Trained personnel are providing support and care for everyone involved, including our brave first responders.”

Attacker Profile

Authorities identified the perpetrator as Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian origin.

Local law enforcement said that three additional individuals – two men in their 30s and an older female – had been detained “on suspicion of involvement in planning of acts of terrorism”.

More details to follow ...