Two individuals fatally injured in a violent incident on a synagogue in Manchester have been identified by police as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Three others remain in hospital with critical wounds after the assailant used an automobile into pedestrians before attacking with a knife on Thursday morning.
The attack, which law enforcement has confirmed was a terror-related event, came on Yom Kippur, the most important observance in the Jewish religious calendar.
The assailant, who was shot dead at the site, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian heritage who was not on record to counter-terrorism authorities, as stated by security officials.
Public Reaction
"We are devastated," the UK's Chief Rabbi stated.
Speaking to a prominent media outlet, he said: "What transpired yesterday was a terrible shock to us, something which we had apprehensions regarding might happen because of the build up."
The attack was not only "a very dark time" for the British Jewish community "but for everyone in our country," he emphasized.
Government Response
"Our obligation is to guarantee our Jewish population, our citizens can go about their lives with safety and security," the Home Secretary stated.
"I do not want Jewish people in our country to feel like they have to live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot go about their business and observe their religion and go to their communal institutions in liberty," she stated.
The attacker was not known to security services, she informed news organizations, and it was "premature" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.
Police Inquiry
The criminal probe was "moving forward quickly" and there was an increased police presence at Jewish worship centers across the UK.
"Funding is available for security funding," the official stated, adding: "We must evaluate what additional measures we can implement to deal with rising antisemitism."
Local authorities announced they were assisting the relatives of the two victims.
"Sincere condolences are with those affected by this tragedy at this extremely hard time," a senior police officer expressed.
He said that trained family liaison officers were in communication with families and would maintain assistance through the coronial process.
"Although procedures exist which need compliance, we commit to being mindful of community customs and sensitivities and to making certain that the deceased and their families' preferences are followed," he added, mentioning that the deceased individuals were from the local area.
Autopsies are taking place on the following day, as confirmed by government statements.
