31 year old man arrested over Heaton Park Synagogue terror attack
Police confirmed that a man was taken into custody at Manchester airport today
Police have arrested a man in connection with the Heaton Park synagogue terror attack, bringing the total number of arrests made in connection to the attack up to seven.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a man was arrested at Manchester airport today “on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”. He had arrived on an inbound flight.
On Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Jihad Al-Shamie, a British national originally from Syria, drove his car into pedestrians outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, before exiting the vehicle and stabbing congregants. He sought to gain entrance to the synagogue itself, but was unsuccessful. Adrian Daulby, 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed in the attack, with Al-Shamie killed by armed police.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said:
“At around midday today, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the appalling terrorist attack that took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
“The man was arrested at Manchester Airport after arriving on an inbound flight and has been taking into custody for questioning. The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz have been updated on this development, as have those who were seriously injured in the attack.
“Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again appeal for anyone with information that they think could assist our enquiries to please come forward. We are also still seeking to identify and speak to anyone who was present at the time of the incident or the immediate aftermath so that we can ensure they have access to all the welfare support options that are available to witnesses.
“If you believe you may have been one of those witnesses or have information that could help us identify them then please contact us via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 0161 856 3946.”
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