Police missed chance to examine Manchester synagogue attacker's phone before attack
BBC News 2026-07-23 12:09:33
Context: On October 2, 2025, Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old man from Prestwich, launched a car and knife attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, killing two Jewish men, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Al-Shamie was on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson has since apologized for missing an opportunity to examine Al-Shamie's phone, which contained evidence of his extreme views.
Key Facts
- Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was arrested on February 13, 2025, on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order, and on September 21, 2025, on suspicion of rape, with his mobile devices seized on both occasions but not examined before the October 2, 2025, synagogue attack.
- Al-Shamie's devices contained extremist messages, including WhatsApp chats with Mohammad Bashir, who was plotting a separate attack with Al-Shamie at the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating all previous contact between Greater Manchester Police and Jihad Al-Shamie prior to the terror attack, including the actions taken by police in response to reports of crimes committed by him.
- One officer is under investigation by the IOPC for potential misconduct in relation to their handling of allegations of rape and other sexual offences against Al-Shamie, with the watchdog determining whether disciplinary proceedings will follow.
- Mohammad Bashir was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for plotting a separate attack with Al-Shamie at the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham, with details emerging in the case that the pair had been discussing their extremist views in WhatsApp chats.