Manchester Police chief apologises 'deeply' over missed opportunities to prevent synagogue attack despite arresting knifeman TWICE
•Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson apologized for missed opportunities that could have prevented the synagogue attack in Manchester.
•Jihad Al-Shamie, who killed two people, had shown signs of an extremist mindset that were not investigated prior to the attack.
•The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing Greater Manchester Police's past investigations into Al-Shamie.
المصدر: GB News | Source: GB NewsA Chief Constable at Manchester Police has today apologised for the missed opportunities to prevent the tragic attack in October last year that left two dead.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM confirmed the force had access to information on Jihad Al-Shamie showing signs of an "extremist mindset", only examined after the atrocity was committed.
Al-Shamie was responsible for killing two people at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester last year, before he was shot dead at the scene.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed by the Syrian-born knifeman, who stormed the gates and attacked the congregation with a knife whilst wearing a fake suicide belt.
TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayChief Constable Watson said: "The terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue last October was a wicked act which inflicted great harm and suffering upon bereaved families and survivors.
"For our Jewish community, it also served to amplify their anxieties and fears which are legitimate, longstanding and visceral."
He confirmed the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is engaged in conducting a review into Greater Manchester Police’s past investigations into Al-Shamie.
The attacker had come to the notice of the force in light of two linked criminal allegations which did not relate to terrorist offences.
He was arrested on the February 13 2025 on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order and again on the September 21 2025 on suspicion of rape.
At the time of his committing the attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue, Al-Shamie was on police bail.
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→Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson apologized for missed opportunities that could have prevented the synagogue attack in Manchester.
→Jihad Al-Shamie, who killed two people, had shown signs of an extremist mindset that were not investigated prior to the attack.
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