Manchester synagogue terrorist 'seen acting suspiciously' minutes before attack

The Manchester synagogue terrorist was seen 'acting suspiciously' at the scene 15 minutes before carrying out his deadly attack, police have said.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) provided an update this evening into their investigation into Jihad Al-Shamie's attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, which tragically claimed the lives of two men, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, in the Crumpsall area of Manchester last Thursday. Four people were injured, and three remain in hospital with serious injuries.

In previously unheard detail, police said Al-Shamie, 35, was confronted by thesynagogue's security around 15 minutes prior to the incident after being spotted acting suspiciously outside the gates, and had "walked away when challenged". He then returned to the scene in a black Kia, drove the vehicle at bystanders and rammed through the wall, before beginning his knife attack.

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It also emerged that he had made a 999 call himself during the attack in which he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. A statement from CTP North West's Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: "We have been told from witness accounts that a man, now confirmed to be Jihad Al-Shamie, was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security.

"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. This device has since been assessed and confirmed to be a non-viable device.

"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.

Greater Manchester Police previously said their enquiries suggested Al-Shami 'may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology'.

On Saturday, the courts granted police five more days to hold four suspects, two men aged 30 and 32, and two women aged 46 and 61, arrested in connection with the attack. An 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were released with no further action, police said.

Police have not identified those arrested or disclosed any links to Al-Shamie.

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