On 2 October 2025, Jihad Al-Shamie drove his car into worshippers outside Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, then attacked with a knife, killing Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Two months later, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) admitted they had seized Al-Shamie's phones twice before the attack — in February and September 2025 — but never examined them. The devices contained evidence of his extreme extremist mindset, including WhatsApp chats where he discussed being "war ready" and becoming a martyr. GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson apologised, saying the information would have "inspired further investigative action".
Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old Syrian-born UK citizen, was on bail for alleged rape at the time of the attack. He was shot dead by police at the scene. His associate Mohammad Bashir was later jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years for plotting a separate attack with Al-Shamie on the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham. The missed phone checks came to light only after Bashir's sentencing, when legal restrictions on discussing the case were lifted.
“How police failed to examine the Manchester synagogue attacker's phones before he killed two men.”
For UK readers, this case raises urgent questions about police handling of terror suspects and community safety. Bernard Agyemang, the security guard seriously injured in the attack, said "life changed forever that day". He suffered multiple fractures, a suspected brain injury, and PTSD. The Jewish community in Manchester — and across the UK — is left asking how a man already in police custody could have slipped through the net.
Q: Why were the phones not examined? GMP has said it conducted an internal review that found the devices were seized but not analysed. The Chief Constable apologised for the failure but did not give a specific reason for the delay. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating all previous police contact with Al-Shamie.
Q: What was on the phones? Court proceedings revealed WhatsApp chats between Al-Shamie and Bashir where they discussed extremist views, preparing for a "war", and becoming martyrs. Messages showed Al-Shamie saying he had "had enough of this world" and was "war ready". Had these been seen earlier, police might have disrupted the attack.
Q: What happened to the security guard? Bernard Agyemang, 44, was outside the synagogue when Al-Shamie drove at worshippers. He suffered fractures to his right leg and collarbone, a suspected brain injury, and now relies on a crutch. He experiences chronic pain, cognitive difficulties, nightmares, and flashbacks. He spoke out after Bashir's sentencing, saying no sentence can make up for the lives lost.
What happens next: The IOPC is investigating GMP's handling of sexual offence allegations against Al-Shamie, with one officer under investigation for potential misconduct. The force has promised to learn lessons. Bashir's life sentence is subject to appeal, and the community continues to recover from the attack.