Terror Watchdog Reveals New Details on Synagogue Attack Probe

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the Manchester synagogue atrocity that occurred on October 2, 2025, a Yom Kippur attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall. This comprehensive inquiry, expected to finalize in early 2027 for one of its key components, delves into both the police response during the attack and prior contact between Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the terrorist, Jihad Al-Shamie.

During the harrowing incident, congregant Adrian Daulby, 53, tragically died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. He was attempting to barricade the synagogue door against Al-Shamie's entry when a stray or deflected bullet, fired by police, penetrated the doors and fatally struck him. A coroner's court later heard details of this devastating turn of events. Another victim, Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed by Al-Shamie, sustaining multiple stab wounds. Mr. Cravitz had earlier narrowly escaped being hit by the car driven by the terrorist, who was ultimately shot dead by GMP firearms officers.

In the aftermath, the IOPC launched two distinct investigations: 'Keasden' and 'Sandtoft'. The Keasden probe focuses specifically on the police shooting of Al-Shamie and the actions of the officers involved. A pre-inquest review hearing revealed that police fired a total of ten shots. Officers, identified by cyphers F42, S19, and C25, discharged their weapons: F42 fired four shots with a Glock pistol, while S19 and C25 fired five and one shot respectively with a carbine rifle. The same projectile that proved fatal to Mr. Daulby also struck a third congregant, Yoni Finlay, who is now recovering. This bullet was identified as either the first or second shot fired by Officer F42. A draft report for the Keasden investigation is reportedly nearing completion.

The Sandtoft probe is scrutinizing GMP's interactions with Jihad Al-Shamie leading up to the attack. It was revealed that Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was out on bail for suspected rape at the time of the atrocity. GMP had previously issued an apology for missing a critical opportunity to investigate Al-Shamie before the attack. Mobile devices seized from him by detectives contained evidence of an 'extremist mindset,' according to GMP's Chief Constable, but were not examined prior to the attack. These phones were seized during two separate arrests in 2025: one on February 13 for a breach of a non-molestation order, and another on September 21 for suspicion of rape. Police confirmed that digital examinations of these devices did not occur at the time of seizure.

The publication of the Sandtoft report has experienced delays, with an updated timeline anticipating its completion in early 2027. An IOPC spokesperson emphasized their continued commitment to understanding all events leading to the terror attack and the subsequent police response. While the investigation into the shooting is at an advanced stage, the separate probe into previous police contact with Al-Shamie continues to explore all available lines of inquiry, including police actions in response to reports of crimes committed by him.