Manchester terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie “may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology”, the police have said.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said: “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.”
The force confirmed they have now arrested three further people, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s.
Mr Taylor said: “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.”
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Jihad Al-Shamie may have been influenced by ‘extreme Islamist ideology’
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GB NEWSThe head of counter terrorism policing said he would like 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”.
The terrorist attack claimed the lives of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, and three others are in hospital with serious injuries.
Mr Taylor continued: “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.”
Locals at the terror attack vigil held a banner, reading: ‘No more words, we demand action’
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PAPolice shot and killed Al-Shamie at the scene, with him appearing to have a bomb strapped to him, but the force later confirmed that no viable explosive was found.
The Syrian-born British citizen is believed to have other criminal convictions, but was not on the radar of counter-terrorism officers at the time of the incident.
The terrorist allegedly shouted “this is what they get for killing our children”, as he tried to get to more people.
Alan Levy, the synagogue’s chairman of trustees, told ITV News: “All I heard him say was when the guys were outside the perimeter and were shouting at him.
Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby died in the attack
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PA
“He shouted: ‘This is what you get for killing our children’.
“It’s just truly horrific. The attacks against our community. Our children aren’t safe in schools; we have to have guards.
“Our people are not safe at the synagogue going to pray on the holiest day of our year.”
Mr Taylor added: “If you have information, then please contact the police via the Major Incident Public Portal.”