Mourners at synagogue vigil urged to 'remain strong' after attack

Dozens of worshippers have gathered at the Manchester synagogue that was attacked on Yom Kippur, vowing to show “resolve” and not be “cowed” by terrorism.

- Josh Halliday

Amid heavy security a week after the assault in which two men were killed, Jewish community leaders led prayers and speeches in a sombre but defiant 15-minute vigil.

Daniel Walker, the rabbi of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, who helped stop Jihad al-Shamie from entering the building, told those gathered: “Evil tried to defile these steps and make them the opposite. We will not allow that to happen.”

Police revealed on Wednesday that Shamie, 35, who was shot dead by officers, pledged allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State during his six-minute attack outside the synagogue in north Manchester last Thursday.

Shamie, who was not known to counter-terrorism police at the time, drove his car into worshippers before attacking others with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt.