There has been an increased police presence in recent weeks
Officers speak to members of the Jewish community after the attack on Yom Kippur(Image: Manchester Evening News – Sean Hansford)
Police have issued a message of support to communities across Manchester one month on from the Crumpsall synagogue attack.
Members of north Manchester’s Jewish community had gathered to mark Yom Kippur at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on October 2 when horror unfolded.
Worshippers Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, died during the course of a terror attack by Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
A sea of flowers and tributes were left outside the synagogue, on Middleton Road, as Mancunians paid their respects to the innocent victims and gave support to the city’s Jewish community.
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Police presence has been stepped up outside synagogues and Jewish centres, while officers have also spoken to representatives from other faith groups in Greater Manchester over recent weeks.
A memorial took place at the synagogue one week after the attack(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
In a statement marking the tragic one month milestone today (November 2), Greater Manchester Police renewed its commitment to supporting communities across the city.
A GMP spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the horrific attack at Heaton Park synagogue a month ago.
“We remain shoulder to shoulder with affected communities to ensure everyone can feel secure going about their lives.
“Our officers have made more than 20,000 visits to all places of worship across Greater Manchester in the past month.
Police respond to the attack in Crumpsall on October 2(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
“We continue to be committed to ensuring our communities – particularly the Jewish community – are in the forefront of our plans to keep the public safe.
“You will still see patrols in your area, and we are working closely with community partners to ensure all concerns and information goes towards informing our local policing plans.
“If you have concerns, speak to officers, call us on 101 or report it on our website. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”
Inquest openings last week heard Mr Cravitz died in hospital after Al-Shamie attacked him using a knife, with a provisional cause of death given as ‘multiple stab wounds’.
From left: Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby
Al-Shamie had driven his Kia Picanto towards Mr Cravitz and a security guard moments earlier and ‘narrowly missed’ the pair before launching his knife attack.
Meanwhile, Mr Daulby was inside the synagogue and held the doors shut ‘for two minutes’ before he was hit by a ‘single stray or possibly deflected bullet’ shot by firearms officers at the scene.
His provisional cause of death was a single gunshot to the chest, Manchester coroner’s court heard.
Al-Shamie, who police believed to have be wearing a ‘suicide vest’, was shot dead by armed officers.
Counter Terrorism Police continue to appeal for outstanding witnesses to come forward using the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 0161 856 3946.