Heaton Park Synagogue Attack: A Casualty Was Likely Shot by Officers
In a devastating turn of events, one of the individuals lost at the Heaton Park synagogue assault is believed to have been shot dead by armed police officers.
Police Announcement Confirms Gunshot Wound
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police stated that a forensic expert has initially concluded the victim died of a bullet injury.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist ahead of detailed autopsies set to occur later today. The Home Office pathologist indicated that he has provisionally determined a victim likely sustained a wound matching a gunshot injury.”
Attacker Information
The suspect, a 35-year-old individual, was not carrying a gun, and all discharged rounds came from the police officers on site.
It is believed the victim 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, this injury was unfortunately incurred as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action employed by our personnel to halt this brutal assault.”
Names Released
Both individuals killed in the attack at Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester earlier this week had been named as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old.
The men lost their lives when a car was used to crash through the grounds of the local Jewish place of worship, before the attacker targeted attendees in a six-minute rampage that ended only when police with firearms fired upon him, ending his life at the door of the temple.
Further Harm
Three more people sustained major injuries in the violent act on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “Medical professionals have informed us that one of the three victims now hospitalized sustained a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. Officials think the two individuals were near each other at the entrance, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“Our thoughts and prayers are directed toward all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by these events in the region and elsewhere. Trained personnel are offering aid and assistance for everyone involved, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Attacker Profile
Police named the perpetrator as the individual, 35, a UK national of Syrian descent.
Greater Manchester police said that three other people – two male suspects and a woman in her 60s – had been detained “for alleged commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist activities”.
More details to follow ...
