Police look for more witnesses of synagogue attack

About 50 people have already came forward with information but Counter-Terror police are keen to hear from more

Counter terrorism officers are looking for several witnesses to the deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue to come forward.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove his car into worshippers at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall before attacking them with a knife on 2 October.

Melvin Cravitz, 66, and 53-year-old Adrian Daulby were killed while Al-Shamie was shot dead by police.

Detectives said they were yet to speak to an elderly man with a distinctive wide-brimmed brown hat, walking with a young child, who was recorded on CCTV close to the scene moments before Al-Shamie attacked.

As well as pedestrians who were passing the synagogue on Middleton Road, the force said it was keen to speak to motorists who got out of their vehicles to try and help the injured.

Surviving victims Yoni Finlay, who was struck by a police bullet, and Andrew Franks, who was stabbed in the neck and chest, have since been released from hospital.

Contracted security guard Bernard Agyemang, who was struck by Al-Shamie's vehicle, is still receiving hospital treatment.

'Unimaginably traumatic'

Counter Terrorism Policing said it had spoken to 50 witnesses so far but several direct eyewitnesses had not been identified.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: "Nobody should ever see what those people saw.

"They have witnessed an unimaginably traumatic event and could potentially be struggling with processing the scenes that confronted them that day.

"That is why, in addition to assisting with our investigation, we are keen to identify and speak to anyone who was present at the time of the incident or the immediate aftermath so that we can ensure they have access to all the welfare support options that are available to witnesses."

Jihad Al-Shamie called 999 from the scene of the attack and pledged his allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group

Six people were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences in the wake of the attack, but were then released without charge.

One 30-year-old man, however, was re-arrested at Manchester Airport on 9 October on suspicion of failing to disclose information related to terrorism.

He has since been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

On Monday, King Charles visited the synagogue and spoke to some of those who were there on the day of the attack, including Rabbi Daniel Walker, and emergency workers who responded.