The terrorist who launched a deadly assault on a Manchester synagogue telephoned emergency services to pledge his loyalty to Islamic State during the attack, counter-terrorism investigators have revealed.
Jihad Al-Shamie, aged 35, made the 999 call after his vehicle collided with a wall moments after he had deliberately driven into Jewish worshippers gathered outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on 2nd October. Armed police shot him dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Police North West confirmed the disturbing details of the emergency call, which provided clear evidence of the attacker’s extremist motivations.
Two worshippers killed in morning rampage
The violent assault on Middleton Road in Crumpsall began around 9.30am BST as Jewish community members arrived for morning prayers. Two men lost their lives in the carnage: 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, 53.
Subsequent investigation revealed the tragic circumstances of Mr Daulby’s death. He was struck by a police bullet that penetrated through the synagogue door as armed officers fired at Al-Shamie, who was wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest that was later determined to be fake.
Police gunfire wounded second victim
Another individual, Yoni Finlay, also suffered injuries from police gunfire during the chaotic confrontation. Mr Finlay underwent surgery and remains hospitalised whilst recovering from his wounds.
Two additional victims continue receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries sustained during Al-Shamie’s rampage. One man suffered particularly severe trauma, having been stabbed in both his neck and chest during the frenzied attack.
Suspicious behaviour noted quarter-hour before attack
Security personnel had encountered Al-Shamie approximately 15 minutes before the main assault when he approached the synagogue on foot, according to police statements. His behaviour raised immediate red flags amongst those present, prompting security to request his departure from the premises.
The attacker then retrieved his vehicle, a black Kia Picanto, which he subsequently drove directly at the synagogue gates and the worshippers congregated outside. Video footage examined by investigators shows the car matches descriptions provided by witnesses, with a distinctive missing rear right hubcap visible in both surveillance recordings and the vehicle used in the assault.
Armed response within minutes
Police firearms officers arrived at the scene rapidly following the initial emergency calls. They confronted Al-Shamie, who was at that point wearing what appeared to be a suicide bomb vest strapped to his body.
Officers made the split-second decision to open fire on the attacker, concerned he posed an imminent threat to detonate explosives amongst the crowd. Bomb disposal experts later examined the vest and confirmed it contained no viable explosive materials.
The incident has been formally classified as a terrorist attack by counter-terrorism authorities, representing one of the most serious assaults on Britain’s Jewish community in recent memory.
The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, when synagogues traditionally see their highest attendance of the year as even secular members of the community gather for prayer and reflection.
Investigation continues into Al-Shamie’s background, his radicalisation pathway, and whether he received any assistance in planning or executing the attack. Several individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, though their precise relationship to the attacker remains under examination.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
