A Chief Constable at Manchester Police has today apologised for the missed opportunities to prevent the tragic attack in October last year that left two dead.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM confirmed the force had access to information on Jihad Al-Shamie showing signs of an “extremist mindset”, only examined after the atrocity was committed.
Al-Shamie was responsible for killing two people at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester last year, before he was shot dead at the scene.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed by the Syrian-born knifeman, who stormed the gates and attacked the congregation with a knife whilst wearing a fake suicide belt.
Chief Constable Watson said: “The terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue last October was a wicked act which inflicted great harm and suffering upon bereaved families and survivors.
“For our Jewish community, it also served to amplify their anxieties and fears which are legitimate, longstanding and visceral.”
He confirmed the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is engaged in conducting a review into Greater Manchester Police’s past investigations into Al-Shamie.
The attacker had come to the notice of the force in light of two linked criminal allegations which did not relate to terrorist offences.
Jihad Al-Shamie attacked the synagogue on Yom Kippur – the most holy day in the Jewish calendar | FACEBOOK
He was arrested on the February 13 2025 on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order and again on the September 21 2025 on suspicion of rape.
At the time of his committing the attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue, Al-Shamie was on police bail.
Chief Constable Watson added: “Upon conducting an internal review, it became apparent that Greater Manchester Police had seized Al-Shamie’s mobile devices, at the point of each arrest.
“The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset.
“Regrettably, I can confirm that the significance of the information stored on Al-Shamie’s devices was not realised as they had not been examined before the attack took place on October 2 2025.
“It is for the IOPC and the Coronial Inquests to determine the impact of not reviewing the contents of the devices.
“There can however, be little doubt that the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action.
“It is clear that our not having reviewed the data available to us prior to the attack constitutes a missed opportunity.
Two people died following the terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Manchester on October 2 | PA
“I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by the terrible events last October. For this, I am deeply sorry.
“It is my fervent hope and expectation that the continuing independent reviews and processes will be able to draw together all the available evidence such as to leave no question unanswered.
“In the interim, GMP will continue to act transparently, with candour and in a manner which fully embraces our accountability.
“I have already made direct contact with those personally affected by Al-Shamie’s barbarism, together with representatives of our Jewish community, to apprise them of this development. I thank them for their continuing support.”
He said the force is “unwavering in our commitment to all people across Greater Manchester”, and to “strive to do all that is possible to sustain the fight against hatred, extremism and terrorism”.