The revelation of police oversight in the lead-up to last year's synagogue attack has left those affected by the tragedy reeling. A damning review by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has exposed a critical failure in gathering intelligence, with mobile phones belonging to attacker Jihad Al-Shamie seized but not examined before the fatal assault.
Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he launched the car and knife attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on 2 October 2025. The incident, which occurred as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur, resulted in the deaths of two Jewish men, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Al-Shamie, from Prestwich, drove his Kia Picanto into the synagogue gates before assaulting individuals with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed that an internal review revealed GMP had seized Al-Shamie's mobile devices at the time of each of his prior arrests. He stated, "The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset." The Chief Constable expressed his deep regret, adding, "I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all those affected by the terrible events last October. For this, I am deeply sorry."
The fact that crucial evidence of Al-Shamie's extremist ideology lay unexamined on seized devices raises serious questions about police procedures and intelligence gathering. Had the phones been reviewed, authorities might have uncovered the attacker's intentions, potentially preventing the loss of life and the trauma inflicted upon the community.
This oversight will undoubtedly prompt further scrutiny of GMP's operational protocols and its handling of individuals suspected of both serious violent crimes and potential extremist sympathies. The apology from the Chief Constable acknowledges a significant failing, and the implications for public trust and future security measures are considerable. The families of the victims and the wider community will be seeking assurances that such an error will not be repeated.