LAST UPDATE | 3 Oct

ONE OF THE victims of the terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester has died after he was inadvertently shot by police intervening at the scene.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson confirmed the death in a statement this morning, where he outlined that the suspect Jihad Al Shamie was not in possession of a firearm and the “only shots fired” were from Greater Manchester Police’s armed officers.

“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,” Watson said.

Another of the victims is currently receiving treatment in hospital has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is not life threatening.

Watson said that it’s believed that both victims who were wounded by gunshots were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.

Earlier, Greater Manchester Police said Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died after Al-Shamie drove into a group of people outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue before stabbing a man.

Two others remain in hospital with serious injuries.

Al-Shamie was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the attack in Crumpsall yesterday morning, which took place on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack in connection with the killings.

Greater Manchester Police said while formal identification is yet to take place, the families of Daulby and Cravitz, both from Crumpsall, have been informed and offered support by family liaison officers.

This morning, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed extra officers would provide a “high visibility” presence in North Manchester, Bury, and Salford within Jewish communities and around synagogues.

There will also be increased visits to local places of worship, police added.