🔗 Share this article

Two men killed in an attack on a synagogue in Manchester have been named by law enforcement as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Three more people continue receiving medical care with serious injuries after the attacker drove a vehicle into individuals before attacking with a knife on Thursday.

The assault, which authorities have declared was a terror-related event, came on Judaism's holiest day, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.

The attacker, who was fatally shot at the scene, was a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who was not on record to terrorism investigators, according to official statements.

Public Reaction

"Our hearts are broken," the nation's top rabbinical authority commented.

Speaking to a major broadcast, he said: "Yesterday's events was an awful blow to us, something which actually we were fearing might happen because of the build up."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for the British Jewish community "but for all of our society," he added.

Official Reaction

"Our obligation is to guarantee our Jewish citizens, our residents can live their lives with protection and peace of mind," the Home Secretary announced.

"We cannot allow Jewish citizens in our country to believe they must live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot go about their business and observe their religion and visit their worship places in without fear," she continued.

The attacker was not recognized to terrorism investigators, she informed broadcasters, and it was "premature" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.

Police Inquiry

The police investigation was "progressing rapidly" and there was an increased police presence at synagogues across the UK.

"The government does provide safety resources," the official stated, adding: "I think we will have to consider what more we can do to combat growing religious prejudice."

Local authorities said they were supporting the families of the two victims.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the victims at this profoundly challenging moment," law enforcement leadership stated.

He indicated that designated family representatives were in touch with relatives and would maintain assistance through the official inquiries.

"Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we pledge to remain sensitive of community customs and needs and to guaranteeing that the victims and their loved ones' wishes are followed," he added, mentioning that the both victims were from the local area.

Post-mortems are taking place on the following day, according to government statements.