Manchester synagogue terror attack victim may have been killed by accidental police shooting, Chief Constable admits

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said one of the victims "suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury" which "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".

Full post mortem examinations are due to take place today.

Chief Constable 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.

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"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."

The police chief added that one of the three victims who is currently in hospital receiving treatment following the attack had also suffered a gunshot wound though this was "not life threatening".

It is thought the two gunshot victims were close together behind the door of the synagogue as worshippers "acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry".

The statement continued: "Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond."

Relatives of the suspected attacker Jihad Al-Shamie, who was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the incident, have said they "condemn" his "heinous act".

A statement on behalf of the family read: “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."

In a post to social media today, a relative of victim Mr Daulby said they were "heartbroken" by his death.

"We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we grieve and seek the answers we need. Thank you for your understanding and respect," they added.

It was confirmed by the Home Office that Al-Shamie was a British national of Syrian descent who was granted citizenship in 2006 aged around 16, having entered Britain as a young child.

It is understood his name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service records, and he is not thought to have been under investigation.

Three other people, including two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s, have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Shortly after the attack - which occurred on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day - Sir Keir Starmer said additional police support had been deployed at synagogues across the country.

Addressing the nation yesterday evening, the Prime Minister 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."