A formal public inquiry will investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two worshippers killed during an assault on a synagogue in Manchester on 2 October 2025.
Melvin Cravitz, aged 66, sustained multiple stab wounds during the incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Adrian Daulby, 53, was fatally shot by armed police officers as he positioned himself at the synagogue doors to prevent the attacker from entering. The assailant, Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was himself shot dead by police during the attack. Three additional worshippers sustained serious injuries.
The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the inquiry, stating that
"What happened that day must be fully understood."
In her formal announcement, Mahmood elaborated on the decision:
"On that awful day in October of last year, as our Jewish community celebrated Yom Kippur, two brave men – Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby – lost their lives, and three others were seriously injured. What happened that day must be fully understood. So, as requested by the coroner, I can today announce a public inquiry into the deaths of Mr Cravitz and Mr Daulby. This will ensure that all evidence can be heard, including any sensitive national security material that could not otherwise be fully heard in the coroner's court."
The decision to establish a public inquiry follows recommendations made by Judge Alexia Durran, Chief Coroner of England and Wales. According to reporting on the coroner's decision, Durran determined that ordinary inquests could not adequately accommodate sensitive MI5 evidence in private, making a public inquiry the appropriate mechanism to examine all material while protecting national security where necessary. At a pre-inquest hearing on 4 September, government lawyers had argued that releasing certain MI5 material could compromise national security.
Police Failures and Missed Opportunities
Greater Manchester Police has acknowledged a critical oversight in its handling of evidence before the attack. Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), issued an apology earlier this year regarding missed opportunities to potentially uncover the plot.
Al-Shamie had come to police attention on two separate occasions prior to the attack. He was arrested on 13 February 2025 on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order and again on 21 September 2025 on suspicion of rape. At the time of the synagogue assault, Al-Shamie was on police bail.
During both arrests, police seized Al-Shamie's mobile devices. However, the contents of these devices were not examined before the attack took place. Watson stated:
"The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset. Regrettably, I can confirm that the significance of the information stored on Al-Shamie's devices was not realised, as they had not been examined before the attack took place on the 2 October 2025. There can, however, be little doubt that the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action. It is clear that our not having reviewed the data available to us prior to the attack constitutes a missed opportunity."
Watson added:
"I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by the terrible events last October. It is my fervent hope and expectation that the continuing independent reviews and processes will be able to draw together all the available evidence such as to leave no question unanswered."
Connected Investigations and Arrests
The apology from police leadership emerged following the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, 31, Al-Shamie's friend and accomplice. Bashir received a life sentence in July at Manchester Crown Court for planning a separate attack with Al-Shamie on the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham.
The investigation into the synagogue attack has expanded significantly. According to reporting on the broader investigation, at least eight people have been arrested in connection with the synagogue attack. Additionally, two Iranian men appeared in court charged with terror offences over an alleged plot targeting Manchester's Jewish community, with prosecutors indicating that their alleged reconnaissance activities included the Heaton Park synagogue.
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The attack has had lasting effects on Manchester's Jewish community. A memorial service held on 31 August 2026 drew approximately 800 people to honour the victims. However, community leaders have expressed growing concerns about safety. Rabbi Daniel Walker has warned that the Jewish community feels less safe now than immediately after the assault, citing rising antisemitism and what he characterises as insufficient action on underlying causes.
A separate legal matter has also emerged from the incident. A 49-year-old man, Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, has pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose information about the attack and remains in custody awaiting further court appearances.
Key Facts
- The attack occurred on 2 October 2025, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar
- Two worshippers were killed and three others seriously injured in the assault
- Police had seized the attacker's mobile devices during prior arrests but did not examine their contents before the attack
- At least eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident, with additional investigations ongoing
- The public inquiry will allow examination of sensitive national security material that could not be fully heard in ordinary coroner's proceedings
