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The two men killed in the attack at a synagogue in Manchester have been identified as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, as stated by authorities.

Greater Manchester Police clarified that official confirmation is still pending, but the families have been notified and support officers are in close contact.

The victims lost their lives when an perpetrator used a vehicle to crash through the premises of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then began attacking worshippers during a violent spree that ended only when police with firearms fired upon the attacker on two occasions.

A brief but horrifying episode: the sequence of events at the Manchester synagogue.

Three other individuals sustained major injuries in the assault, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish year.

Authorities named the attacker as Jihad al-Shamie, thirty-five, a UK national of Syrian origin. Greater Manchester Police additionally revealed that three more individuals – two males aged in their thirties and a woman in her 60s – had been taken into custody for alleged terrorism-related activities.

Autopsies of the deceased men – each of them resided in Crumpsall – will be conducted later on Friday.

Senior detective Lewis Hughes, who is overseeing the victim support, commented: “Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz at this extremely hard time.”

“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are assisting them. They will continue to update them on the investigation and guide them through the coroner’s procedures.”

“Although certain protocols must be observed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to making certain the wishes of the deceased and their families are respected.”

The violent act drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with Keir Starmer describing the knife attacker a “despicable person” who “targeted Jewish people for their faith, and assaulted the nation due to its principles”. Political rivals Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage were among those showing support for the Jewish population.

The attack happened just days before the two-year mark of the October 7th assaults by the militant group in Israel. Authorities announced that there would be heightened security at Jewish temples and Jewish institutions in the coming days.

Starmer flew back to the UK from a meeting of EU officials in Denmark to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after the incident, before addressing the nation from Downing Street.

On Friday morning, local authorities stated that extra officers would provide a “high visibility” deployment in North Manchester, Bury, and Salford within Jewish neighborhoods and around places of worship.

There will additionally be more frequent checks to local places of worship, authorities further noted.