Major update from terrorism police on the Manchester synagogue attack

Counter terrorism police have confirmed that the device attached to the Manchester Synagogue attacker was fake. Jihad al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology, officials added. Three further people have been arrested, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing at Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Laurence Taylor said: "I want to express my deepest sympathies to all the innocent people involved in the appalling terrorist incident that took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue yesterday.

"They are at the forefront of our minds as the Counter Terrorism Policing investigation continues. I am now able to share more information regarding our investigation, however I must stress that we are in the relatively early stages of our enquiries, and this remains a developing picture. We have been told from witness accounts that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security and walked away."

He added that officers don't believe this was reported to Greater Manchester Police because the man had left the area.

Mr Taylor said: "Around 15 minutes later, the individual returned in a vehicle and began his horrific attack.

"There were a large number of worshippers in attendance but thanks to the bravery of security staff, worshippers and the fast action of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access."

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed on Thursday.

Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries.

Mr Taylor said: "We believe the suspect, who died at the scene, was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. A suspicious device that was attached to his torso was assessed and we can confirm it was a fake.

"Based on some fast time assessments conducted on our systems, this individual does not appear to be known to Counter Terrorism Policing, however he does have a non-CT related criminal history. This includes a recent arrest for rape, which resulted in him being bailed.

"At this stage, we believe Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. Establishing the full circumstances of the attack is likely to take some time."

He added: "We have now arrested three further people, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s. This brings the number of people in custody arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six.

"We will be seeking warrants of further detention for all six individuals and will seek to issue an update on this later.

"I would like to once again stress that our investigation is still in its early stages. I know there is significant public interest in this case, and we will seek to provide timely updates on our progress where possible.

"We would ask people to refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information as that could potentially cause unnecessary delays in our enquiries and additional upset for all those impacted by these horrific events."