The latest update on the terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester is that one of the victims who tragically died was accidentally shot by police at the scene, while another is still receiving treatment in hospital, as per GMP.
With the suspect now having been named as Jihad Al-Shamie, who was also shot dead after driving towards and stabbing multiple individuals at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, it’s believed that one of the deceased men was unfortunately hit by gunfire during the incident.
Issuing a formal statement online, Greater Manchester Police informed the public that one of the two confirmed deaths, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, was struck by bullets as officers tried to prevent Al-Shamie from entering the building.
They are yet to identify which exact individuals were unfortunately caught in the crossfire and whether or not gunshot wounds have been cited as a cause of death in any instance.
#UPDATE | Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson has provided an update following yesterday’s tragic incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall. pic.twitter.com/VWTpOE4KG3
As you can see, Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson writes: “The Home Office Pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.”
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“It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm, and the only shots fired were from GMP‘s Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.
“It follows, therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.
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“We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital, has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life-threatening.
“It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Footage shared online of police apprehending Al-Shamie (a Syrian-born man granted British citizenship) also features audio of a bystander claiming he saw a bomb, with authorities later revealing that ‘suspicious items’ were found in the vicinity and a disposal unit being dispatched shortly after.
Meanwhile, the other person who was hit by police gunfire is one of three who remain in a serious condition following the attack, though their identities have yet to be disclosed to the public.
Elsewhere, it appears as though the 35-year-old attacker’s father, Faraj Al-Shamie, has seemingly come out to comment on the incident.
A post on a Facebook page seemingly belonging to Faraj Al-Shamie reads: “The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.
“The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.
“We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.
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“We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth. May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Bolton man, 74, jailed after giving woman ‘unknown substance’ and raping her
Emily Sergeant
A 74-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after the rape of a woman in Bolton last year.
Stephen Biggs, of Furness Square in Bolton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court this week where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of rape of a woman 16 years or over (the victim’s age has not been disclosed), and one count of sexual assault, at an earlier hearing.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that in late March 2025, a woman befriended Biggs and he invited her alone to his address.
Biggs then proceeded to give the woman an ‘unknown substance’, which led to her feeling drowsy and later falling unconscious in his home.
When she awoke from being unconscious, some of the woman’s clothing had been removed, and she found Biggs on top of her.
The victim was struggling to gain full consciousness and passed out once again, but after waking up for the second time, she found the Biggs still on top of her with his trousers unzipped and she managed to push him off her.
Following his arrest, Biggs was interviewed by police, where he admitted to raping and assaulting the victim whilst she was unconscious, and was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison.
GMP described the assault as ‘horrific’ and the victim bravely admitted: “It’s destroyed me.”
Speaking following Biggs’ sentencing, Detective Constable Jordan Brown, from GMP’s Bolton CID, said: “This was a horrific assault that happened to the victim all without her consent and without her knowledge at the time.
“She has been immensely brave coming forward to report this and supporting the investigation and I would like to thank her for her continued strength and courage during this difficult time.
“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual violence and bringing offenders to account, no matter how long it takes.
“I urge anyone who may have gone through this to please come forward and report. You will always be treated with respect and your reports will always be taken seriously.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Harry Maguire extends Manchester United stay with new contract
Danny Jones
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has committed his future to the club for at least another year, signing a new contract extension.
The Man United centre-half and England international had been the subject of much speculation over the past year or so, with many expecting him to leave last summer.
Several Premier League clubs were said to be interested in acquiring the experienced centre-half’s services then, as were there other suitors this past January, but after surviving a period out of the first-choice XI, he’s since been enjoying somewhat of a renaissance.
All that being said, the board have now decided to reassure their faith in Maguire even further, offering him a fresh one-year deal with an option to extend by another season.
Now 33, it was thought that INEOS might try and cash in on the Yorkshire-born CB while they could still get a reasonable transfer fee for him, especially as a player now supposedly leaving the so-called ‘peak’ for a professional footballer.
Then again, plenty of players have certainly challenged that timeframe over the years, and if anything, this past 18 months or so has been one of the best periods in his United career.
Having not only regained a more consistent level of fitness and form, helping shore up the defence in the absence of others along the backline, he’s also continued to prove himself an aerial threat, chipping in with multiple big goals and more than one match-winner.
It’s also worth noting that he showed huge resilience after not only a fair amount of abuse from football fans and also some of his own team’s supporters, but following the saga in Greece on a family holiday in the aftermath of Euro 2020.
This bounce-back, among a number of other factors, is why he now looks like he could be back in the frame for the 2026 World Cup, making it into the Three Lions squads this past March.
Speaking in a club statement, Maguire said: “Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day. I’m delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see, and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us.”
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United director of football, went on to add: “Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad.
“Harry, like everyone at the club, is completely determined to help Manchester United to achieve regular and sustained success.”
Danny Jones -
3rd October 2025 
