Authorities have identified the individual responsible for the deadly assault at a Manchester synagogue as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British national of Syrian heritage.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Al-Shamie carried out a combined vehicle-ramming and stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on the morning of October 2, resulting in the deaths of two victims and injuries to four others.
Armed with a knife and a device initially suspected to be an explosive, Al-Shamie was fatally shot by police within seven minutes of the attack commencing.
In connection with the incident, law enforcement officials have detained two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s on suspicion of involvement in planning, facilitating, or encouraging acts of terrorism related to the synagogue attack.
Emergency services responded promptly after receiving reports of a vehicle striking pedestrians and multiple stabbing victims.
Two individuals were confirmed deceased at the scene, while four others were transported to hospitals with critical injuries.
Initially, police withheld confirmation of Al-Shamie’s death due to concerns over suspicious items found on his person. Subsequent investigations revealed that the device was not explosive.
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement later in the day: “While formal identification is pending, we believe the attacker to be 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.”
The statement further noted, “Our records indicate no prior Prevent program referrals for this individual.”
Among the casualties, two men were declared dead at the scene. Three others remain hospitalized with severe injuries: one suffered a stab wound, another was hit by the vehicle used in the attack, and a third presented at the hospital with injuries possibly sustained during the apprehension of the suspect.
Authorities continue efforts to officially identify the deceased and are providing support to their families, the injured, and the broader community affected by this tragic event.
Investigations are ongoing as detectives seek to uncover the motives behind this horrific act. Crime scenes remain active on White House Avenue, Crumpsall, and Langley Crescent, Prestwich, locations connected to the arrests made.
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