Two men fatally injured in a violent incident on a Jewish house of worship in Manchester have been named by police as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Three others remain in hospital with critical wounds after the assailant rammed a car into pedestrians before stabbing others on Thursday.
The assault, which authorities have declared was a act of terrorism, came on the Day of Atonement, the most important observance in the Jewish religious calendar.
The perpetrator, who was fatally shot at the location, was a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who was not on record to counter terrorism police, per security officials.
Public Reaction
"Right now our hearts are shattered," the UK's Chief Rabbi declared.
During a conversation on a major broadcast, he remarked: "What transpired yesterday was an awful blow to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the escalating tensions."
The attack was not only "an extremely difficult period" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for all of our society," he emphasized.
Official Reaction
"The government's duty is to ensure our Jewish community, our people can go about their lives with safety and security," the Home Secretary announced.
"It is unacceptable that the Jewish community in our country to feel like they have to live a limited religious practice, that they cannot pursue their activities and follow their beliefs and attend their religious centers in without fear," she added.
The assailant was not recognized to terrorism investigators, she told news organizations, and it was "too early" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.
Ongoing Probe
The law enforcement inquiry was "continuing at pace" and there was an enhanced security deployment at synagogues across the UK.
"Authorities allocate protective measures," the minister said, adding: "We must evaluate what more we can do to address rising antisemitism."
Law enforcement officials announced they were assisting the relatives of the two men killed.
"Our heartfelt condolences are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this extremely hard time," law enforcement leadership expressed.
He confirmed that specialized support personnel were in contact with them and would continue to support them through the official inquiries.
"Whilst there are processes which require adherence, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and concerns and to guaranteeing that these men and their relatives' requests are honored," he said, stating that the deceased individuals were from the local area.
Medical examinations are being conducted on the next day, according to official sources.
