Manchester Synagogue terrorist Jihad al-Shamie had criminal record and was on bail over rape allegation

Terrorist Jihad al-Shamie (above) had been arrested and bailed in connection with an alleged rape, had a criminal history and was in financial difficulties after splitting with his wife, before he carried out the Manchester Synagogue attack, it has emerged.

The 35-year-old, who was shot dead by armed Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers on Thursday, was being investigated in connection with an alleged rape earlier this year, but had not been charged.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said: “I want to express my deepest sympathies to all the innocent people involved in the appalling terrorist incident that took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue yesterday.

“They are at the forefront of our minds as the Counter Terrorism Policing investigation continues.

“I am now able to share more information regarding our investigation, however I must stress that we are in the relatively early stages of our enquiries, and this remains a developing picture.

“We have been told from witness accounts that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security and walked away. Based on the information we have at this time, we don’t believe this was reported to Greater Manchester Police because the man had left the area.

“Around 15 minutes later, the individual returned in a vehicle and began his horrific attack.

“There were a large number of worshippers in attendance but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers and the fast action of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.

“We believe the suspect, who died at the scene, was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. A suspicious device that was attached to his torso was assessed and we can confirm it was a fake.

“Based on some fast time assessments conducted on our systems, this individual does not appear to be known to Counter Terrorism Policing, however he does have a non-CT related criminal history. This includes a recent arrest for rape, which resulted in him being bailed.

“At this stage, we believe Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. Establishing the full circumstances of the attack is likely to take some time.  

“We have now arrested three further people, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s. This brings the number of people in custody arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six.

“We will be seeking warrants of further detention for all six individuals and will seek to issue an update on this later.

"I would like to once again stress that our investigation is still in its early stages. I know there is significant public interest in this case, and we will seek to provide timely updates on our progress where possible.

“We would ask people to refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information as that could potentially cause unnecessary delays in our enquiries and additional upset for all those impacted by these horrific events.

“If you have information then please contact police via the Major Incident Public Portal which is available online here.”

The Islamist killer had split from his wife and young son, before carrying out the atrocity.

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He was living with his mother and a brother at his old family council house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, Greater Manchester, at the time.

His son was born on October 22 last year at the North Manchester General Hospital, Crumpsall.

It comes as:

*GMP named the two dead men as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.

*The force said today it appeared that armed officers at the synagogue accidentally shot one of the two victims killed during the terrorist attack and that they probably injured another after opening fire on the attacker.

*Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Shamie was responsible for a death threat sent to a former Conservative MP in 2012.

*Insolvency records show that Al-Shamie was subject to a 12 month Debt Relief Order for a year until September 5. Debt Relief Orders are an alternative to personal bankruptcy for people who have debts of less than £50,000, have savings or valuable items worth less than £2,000 in total, and do not have enough money at the end of the month to make their debt repayments.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Sir Stephen Watson said: "Following the terrorist incident yesterday at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, Middleton Road, Crumpsall; further and urgent enquiries continue. Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office Pathologist ahead of full post mortem examinations scheduled for later today.

"The Home Office Pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.

"It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP's Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community. It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.

"We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital, has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond. Specialist officers are providing support and care for all of those directly affected, including our brave first responders."          

While formal identification is yet to take place, tributes have been paid to Mr Cravitz.

Melvin, from Crumpsall, was the security guard who worked at the synagogue at the time of incident and bravely prevented the attacker from gaining access to the premises.

In a tribute, provided by the family, they said: “Melvin (above) would do anything to help anyone. He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people.

“He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food. He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community.

“We ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with this shocking loss.”

Tributes have also been paid to Mr Daulby, one of the brave worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of incident and who prevented the attacker from gaining access to the premises.

It is currently believed that Adrian’s injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by our officers to bring a vicious attack to an end.

In a tribute, provided by the family, they said: “Adrian Daulby (below) was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others, he was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin.

“The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man.

"His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday 2 October 2025.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who’s co-ordinating the casualty response, said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.

“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them. They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process

“Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones’ wishes are respected.”

Extra police officers have been deployed across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance following the attack.

The additional resources will provide a high visibility presence in North Manchester, Bury, and Salford, within Jewish communities, and around synagogues.

There will also be increased visits to local places of worship covering Friday evening and the weekend.

City of Manchester District Commander, Chief Superintendent David Meeney said: “We have taken this action to ensure that our Jewish communities and wider communities within Greater Manchester feel safe and reassured following yesterday’s tragic incident in Crumpsall.

“People in North Manchester, Bury, Salford, within Jewish communities, and around synagogues can expect to see uniformed officers on patrol in vehicles and on foot throughout today, in to this evening, and over the weekend.

“They are there to reassure you and, whilst they may not be able to answer questions about the investigation, they will be happy to reassure you about the actions we are taking to ensure communities are safe and feel safe.

“We are conscious of the significance of Fridays and Saturdays in the Jewish faith, and will be doing everything we can to help communities mark Shabbat with their families and friends as they wish.”

Sir Stephen added: "We’re ensuring that every available officer in Greater Manchester is currently deployed to provide reassurance, particularly amongst our Jewish communities, at what is a time of profound distress and sorrow.

"We are aware that a number of planned demonstrations are due to take place this weekend, of the variety that we routinely police across our city-region week-in and week-out.

"At this time, however, I am directly appealing to all those who might be intending to protest this weekend to consider whether this is really the right time.

"You could do the responsible and sensitive thing and refrain, on this occasion, from protesting in a manner which is likely to add to the trauma currently being experienced by our Jewish community.

"We can’t and wouldn’t seek to stop peaceful gatherings, however, we will act immediately to curtail any acts of violence, intimidation or threat. In circumstances where protests do occur over the coming days, we will act robustly in all circumstances to uphold the law.

"I would call upon the common decency and humanity of all people across Greater Manchester to aid us in seeking to support our Jewish communities following such a horrific attack.

"There are planned vigils and dignified events that will occur over the coming hours and days. These are opportunities for quiet and respectful reflection, and I know that the decent majority of people across Greater Manchester will join together in standing shoulder to shoulder with those who grieve."

Shamie came to the UK from Syria and was granted British citizenship in 2006 as a minor.

Shamie's father, Faraj al-Shamie, has travelled the world as a trauma surgeon, working in conflict zones across the globe, including in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Sudan.

He has previously posted support for Palestine on social media.

In a post on Facebook, he distanced the family from his son’s attack.

It said: “The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

“The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians. We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.”