A man who launched a terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester this morning has been named as Jihad Al-Shamie.
The Home Office confirmed Al-Shamie, who was shot dead by police at the scene, was a 35-year-old British national of Syrian descent.
GB News understands Al-Shamie entered the UK as a very young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006 as a minor.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed three additional suspects are currently in custody and have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
They have been identified as two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s.
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Officers remain at the scene on White House Avenue, Crumpsall and Langley Crescent, Prestwich, which are also linked to the arrests.
Two men were killed in the terrorist attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.
One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the car involved in the attack, the force said.
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Police at the scene in Manchester
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Police officers work outside a house close to the scene in Manchester
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The third man later presented himself to hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.
A suspicious device worn by the attacker during the incident has been assessed and was deemed not to be viable.
GB News understands that Al-Shamie’s name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.
Further checks are being carried out to see if any of his details appear anywhere in records of other investigations.
The suspect in the attack on the Manchester synagogue has been named as Jihad Al-Shamie
| GB NEWSThe Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council said the Manchester attack "was sadly something we feared was coming" at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK.
They urged members of the Jewish community to carefully follow instructions from the Community Security Trust charity, police and other authorities.
In a statement, they said: "As we emerge from the fast of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in our calendar, many in our community will only now be learning of the horrific attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester.
"We are devastated at the loss of two members of our Jewish community, and our thoughts are with their families, those who are injured and receiving treatment, and all those who have been affected by this act of antisemitic terror.
"Our communal organisations are working in close coordination with one another and with all relevant authorities, including Government and police."
Sir Keir Starmer said 'additional police assets' were to be deployed
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Earlier today, Sir Keir Starmer condemned the "terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews", which he said had been committed by "a vile individual."
Shortly after the attack, the Prime Minister told reporters "additional police assets" would be deployed at synagogues across the country.
Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra emergency committee meeting, he said: "To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this: I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do.
"And so, on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.
"And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.
"I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love."
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