‘Heroes gave their lives to save dozens of terrified worshippers from extremist’

HEARTBROKEN families have paid tearful tributes to two men killed during Islamic extremist Jihad Al-Shamie’s bloody rampage — hailing them heroes for giving their lives to save terrified worshippers.

- By Chris Riches and Paul Jeeves in Manchester, and Michael Knowles

Melvin Cravitz, 66, died alongside Adrian Daulby, 53, as Al-Shamie attacked Manchester’s Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.

Tragic Mr Daulby, and father-of-three Yoni Finlay were both accidentally shot by police as they helped hero Rabbi Daniel Walker barricade the door to protect those inside.

Last night anti-terror police said Al-Shamie “may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology” as three further people were arrested over the attack.

In a tribute to Mr Daulby, his family praised his bravery, stressing: “Adrian Daulby was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others.”

They added: “The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down-to-earth man. His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act.”

Mr Cravitz leaves a wife, Karen, who he married in 2009. The family of the synagogue security guard said in a statement: “Melvin would do anything to help anyone. He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people.”

His cousin Phil Bentley said it was tragic too that Mr Cravitz would not normally be at the synagogue that early.

Mr Bentley’s wife, Evayne, said the attack would have a “massive impact” on the Jewish community locally and she didn’t feel safe in the UK.

One of Mr Finlay’s sons said his dad was a “hero” who “stopped loads of deaths from happening” as he bravely tried to stop Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue.