Horror Unveiled: Chilling Videos Expose Manchester Synagogue Terror Plotter Jihad Al-Shamie

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have issued a profound apology for a significant missed opportunity to investigate Jihad Al-Shamie, who tragically carried out a deadly terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue on October 2 last year. Sir Stephen Watson, GMP Chief Constable, confirmed today that mobile devices seized from Al-Shamie prior to the attack contained substantial evidence of an "extremist mindset," yet these devices remained unexamined until after the tragic events unfolded.

Al-Shamie, aged 35, was on police bail for rape when he brutally murdered two worshippers on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The attack saw Al-Shamie drive his Kia Picanto into the synagogue gates, then attack congregants with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt. Melvin Cravitz, 66, was fatally stabbed, and Adrian Daulby, 53, was inadvertently shot by police marksmen who subsequently killed Al-Shamie at the scene. Five minutes before the attack, Al-Shamie called GMP, pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and claiming to have killed two Jews.

The seized devices were obtained during two separate arrests of Al-Shamie. He was first arrested on February 13 last year on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order, and again on September 21 last year on suspicion of rape. His devices were seized on both occasions, with the synagogue attack occurring just a fortnight after his second arrest. Sir Stephen stated, "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 October 2. There can however, be little doubt that the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action." He expressed deep sorrow for the distress this revelation would cause to those affected.

This apology follows the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, 31, from Cheetham Hill, who was today jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for plotting a separate terrorist attack alongside Al-Shamie. Bashir had pleaded guilty to preparing a terrorist act. The plot involved hostile reconnaissance at the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire. Prosecutors indicated that had Al-Shamie lived, he would have been prosecuted on the same charge as Bashir.

Details of the plot emerged through meticulous investigation, including CCTV and audio captured at an Al-Sunnah mosque in Cheetham Hill on August 9 last year. During their conversation, Bashir told Al-Shamie, "This time next year, we will be in green birds," a clear reference to martyrdom. The pair undertook a ten-hour round trip to the Defence Academy, with Bashir driving, and Al-Shamie spending about 15 minutes examining the reception area and main gates, typing notes in his phone titled 'espionage.' Their interest in the site stemmed from online articles suggesting that officers from the Israeli Defence Force had been trained there. Bashir, who had no previous convictions, attempted to cover his tracks by selling one phone and wiping another before returning from a family holiday to Pakistan, where he was arrested at Manchester Airport on November 27 last year. He was not charged in connection with the Heaton Park synagogue attack.

Al-Shamie, reportedly a university dropout, was born in Syria and granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16. His criminal history included a conviction for possession of Class B drugs in 2012, a 'street warning' for cannabis as a teenager, and a penalty notice for shoplifting.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is actively reviewing GMP’s handling of previous investigations into Al-Shamie, including actions taken in response to reports of crimes committed by him. An officer is currently under investigation for potential misconduct related to their handling of rape and other sexual offence allegations against Al-Shamie. Coronial inquests are also underway to forensically examine all aspects of the attack. Sir Stephen stated, "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." Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West underscored that Bashir is a "dangerous individual with extremist views" and hoped his sentence would act as a deterrent.