Two victims of synagogue assault were shot by police

Both were struck, one fatally, as they sheltered from attacker

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE

Two victims of the Yom Kippur terrorist attack in Manchester were shot by armed police as they sheltered inside the barricaded door of the synagogue, it has emerged.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed one of the victims was found to have suffered a gunshot wound. Another survivor is in hospital with a bullet wound, which is not life-threatening.

Knifeman Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, who appeared to be wearing a belt laden with explosives, was not carrying a firearm when he launched the car and knife onslaught on Thursday morning.

He was under investigation over an alleged rape earlier this year and had been released on bail at the time of the attack, The Independent understands.

Sir Stephen Watson, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said the victims' bullet wounds “may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end”.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog, has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting by armed officers, who opened fire on Shamie within seven minutes of the first 999 call.

Tributes have flooded in as victims of the horrific attack were named as Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, who sustained the bullet wound.

The men were both bravely trying to defend Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall when the tragedy unfolded on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.