One of the victims killed at the Manchester synagogue attack appears to have been shot dead by the armed police officers who rushed to the scene.
In a statement, chief constable Sir Stephen Watson, said the home office pathologist had provisionally determined that the man had died of a gun-shot wound.
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, had not had a firearm and the only shots fired were by the police officers at the scene.
It is believed that the victim was among those behind the synagogue door seeking to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
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Watson said: “Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist ahead of full postmortem 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.”
The two victims killed in Thursday’s attack at Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester had been named by police on Friday as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
The men were killed when a car was used to ram into the grounds of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, then stabbed worshippers in a six-minute rampage that ended only when armed officers shot at him twice, killing him at the door of the temple.
Three others were seriously injured in the attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
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Watson said: “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.”
Police named the attacker on Thursday night as Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Greater Manchester police said that three other people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – had been arrested “on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow …
