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Both individuals fatally wounded in the attack at a synagogue in Manchester have been identified as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old, as stated by police.

Local law enforcement indicated that formal identification has not yet been completed, but next of kin have been notified and family liaison officers are in close contact.

The victims lost their lives when an perpetrator drove a car to crash through the premises of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then proceeded to stab worshippers during a six-minute rampage that concluded only when armed officers shot at him twice.

Six minutes of terror: how the Manchester synagogue attack unfolded.

Three additional persons sustained major injuries in the assault, which occurred on the Day of Atonement, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish year.

Police named the attacker as al-Shamie, 35, a UK national of Syrian descent. Greater Manchester Police also disclosed that three other people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – had been taken into custody for alleged terrorism-related activities.

Autopsies of the deceased men – each of them are from the Crumpsall area – will be conducted on Friday afternoon.

Detective Ch Supt Lewis Hughes, who is coordinating the victim support, commented: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz at this incredibly difficult time.”

“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them. They will provide ongoing updates on the inquiry and guide them through the coroner’s procedures.”

“While there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to making certain the wishes of the deceased and their families are honored.”

The violent act drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with the Labour leader describing the knife attacker a “despicable person” who “targeted Jewish people for their faith, and attacked Britain because of our values”. Opposing politicians Badenoch and Farage joined others showing support for the Jewish population.

The attack happened just days before the second anniversary of the October 7th assaults by Hamas in Israel. Authorities stated that there would be increased protective measures at Jewish temples and Jewish institutions in the near future.

The Prime Minister returned early to the UK from a gathering of European leaders in Denmark to lead a crisis Cobra session after the incident, before addressing the nation from the Prime Minister’s residence.

On Friday early, Greater Manchester police stated that additional police would provide a “high visibility” presence in several Manchester areas within Jewish communities and around places of worship.

There will also be increased visits to area religious sites, police added.