Armed police were captured in a dramatic moment as they raided the home of the synagogue terrorist in Manchester.
Video footage shows the counter-terror unit using a chainsaw as they entered the semi-detached property of 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, almost seven hours after the attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Al-Shamie was identified as the individual who rammed his vehicle into pedestrians and then proceeded to carry out a knife assault on worshippers at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall. He was fatally shot within seven minutes of the initial emergency call to the police.
The victims were Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, who tragically lost their lives, while three others sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized. The attack occurred during a gathering at the synagogue on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. Police disclosed that one of the deceased was shot by law enforcement officers.
An eyewitness observed armed officers entering the suspect’s residence in Prestwich, Manchester following the appalling incident.
A 35-year-old man, who chose to remain anonymous, stated: “I was visiting my mum who lives opposite. There were several men in black with firearms who rushed in.
“They were instructing everyone to get down, but I couldn’t see inside the property. They remained there for a significant period.”
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old woman mentioned: “I was at my desk when they arrived with dogs and guns. They didn’t speak, and it was very quiet. There were marked police cars and a van present.
“It seemed unusual to me, especially right after the incident was declared a terrorist attack.”
Another neighbor, aged 32, recounted watching armed officers and dogs arriving around 4:18 pm the previous day.
Greater Manchester Police disclosed earlier that Jihad Al-Shamie was a British national of Syrian heritage, having arrived in the UK as a child. He was granted British citizenship in 2006 at around the age of 16.
He is believed to have resided in Prestwich, approximately two miles from the crime scene, and his name is linked to a property in the area.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that three individuals had been arrested in connection with the incident, categorizing it as a “terrorist incident”.
Two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s were taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in acts of terror related to the synagogue attack.
Adrian Daulby’s family expressed their devastation over his tragic demise.
In a statement on Facebook, his niece, Demi, 30, conveyed: “As Adrian’s family, we are heartbroken by his passing.
“We request privacy during this difficult time as we mourn and seek closure. Thank you for your understanding and respect.”
Others described him as a “beautiful soul”. Sarah Smethurst wrote: “Sorry for your loss; he was the most kind-hearted man and treated my children and others with kindness. He was a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed.”
Keir Starmer pledged to increase police presence at synagogues nationwide and announced the deployment of “additional police resources” to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
