Two men killed in a violent incident on a religious center in Manchester have been revealed by law enforcement as Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Three more people continue receiving medical care with serious injuries after the attacker drove a vehicle into people before using a bladed weapon on the morning of the incident.
The attack, which authorities have declared was a act of terrorism, took place during the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish tradition.
The assailant, who was shot dead at the site, was a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent who was not previously known to counter terrorism police, per government sources.
Public Reaction
"We are devastated," Britain's senior Jewish leader stated.
Speaking to a major broadcast, he remarked: "What transpired yesterday was a terrible shock to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the build up."
The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for all of our society," he emphasized.
Official Reaction
"The government's duty is to ensure our Jewish citizens, our citizens can live their lives with protection and peace of mind," the Home Secretary stated.
"I do not want Jewish citizens in our country to feel like they have to live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot conduct their affairs and observe their religion and visit their worship places in liberty," she added.
The assailant was not recognized to counter-terrorism police, she stated to media outlets, and it was "premature" to say if there was a terrorist cell behind the attack.
Police Inquiry
The police investigation was "moving forward quickly" and there was an enhanced security deployment at religious institutions across the UK.
"Authorities allocate security funding," the representative said, adding: "It will be necessary to examine what additional measures we can implement to deal with increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."
Greater Manchester police confirmed they were supporting the families of the two victims.
"Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the victims at this extremely hard time," the lead investigator expressed.
He confirmed that designated family representatives were in touch with relatives and would provide ongoing help through the investigative procedures.
"Although procedures exist which need compliance, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and needs and to guaranteeing that the deceased and their families' preferences are followed," he said, mentioning that the two men were from Crumpsall.
Autopsies are being conducted on the following day, per authoritative reports.
