Manchester synagogue killer 'pledged allegiance to Islamic State' during attack

The Manchester synagogue terrorist made a call to police during the attack where he pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State, police say.

Jihad al Shamie, 35, carried out the attack last Thursday as he tried to get inside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.

In a statement, Counter Terrorism Policing North West said that minutes after the first call was made during the attack, al Shamie called 999 himself.

The force said that during the call, he claimed responsibility for the attack and "pledged allegiance to Islamic State".

It is also understood that counter-terror police believe that al Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was influenced by extremist Islamist ideology.

Two people were killed during the car and knife attack, while al Shamie was shot dead by police at the scene. Three other people remain in hospital.

Adrian Daulby, 53, is believed to have been shot dead by police while attempting to prevent al Shamie entering the synagogue.

He was killed together with Melvin Cravitz, 66, from Crumpsall, a worshipper who helped prevent the attacker from getting into the premises.

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A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing North West said on Wednesday: "We can confirm that, in the initial stages of the attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, a call was made by the attacker to police claiming to pledge allegiance to the so-called Islamic State.

"We are continuing to investigate the full circumstances and motivation behind what happened. The investigation is continuing at pace."