A formal public inquiry has been launched into the terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, which claimed the lives of two men and left the Manchester community devastated on Yom Kippur last year.
Shabana Mahmood announced the inquiry this week, marking the first anniversary of the atrocity. The investigation will examine the deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, who were killed on October 2, 2025, when attacker Jihad Al-Shamie stormed the synagogue.
Mr. Cravitz died from multiple stab wounds during the assault, while Mr. Daulby was fatally struck by a bullet fired by armed police as he heroically attempted to block the synagogue doors against the attacker. Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old Syrian-born UK citizen, was shot dead by police at the scene. Three other worshippers were seriously injured in the incident.
Addressing the necessity of the move, Ms. Mahmood stated: “What happened that day must be fully understood. As requested by the coroner, I can today announce a public inquiry into the deaths of Mr. Cravitz and Mr. Daulby. This will ensure that all evidence can be heard, including any sensitive national security material that could not otherwise be fully heard in the coroner’s court.”
The announcement follows mounting criticism regarding missed opportunities to intervene before the tragedy. It emerged earlier this year that Greater Manchester Police had seized mobile phones belonging to Al-Shamie following his arrest in February 2025 for breaching a non-molestation order, and again in September 2025 on suspicion of rape. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the contents of the devices—which contained evidence of an extremist mindset and terror-related interests—were not examined until after the synagogue attack.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson issued a profound apology for the failure. “Regrettably, I can confirm that the significance of the information stored on Al-Shamie’s devices was not realised as they had not been examined before the attack took place,” Sir Stephen said. “It is clear that our not having reviewed the data available to us prior to the attack constitutes a missed opportunity. I am deeply sorry.”
The decision to elevate the proceedings to a full public inquiry follows a recommendation from the Chief Coroner of England and Wales, Judge Alexia Durran. The shift allows for secret or private hearings regarding sensitive information supplied by MI5, which could not be accommodated under the standard inquest process.
The inquiry aims to provide a definitive account of the circumstances surrounding the attack and to establish whether any systemic failings occurred that might have prevented the loss of life. The move is expected to provide much-needed clarity for the families of the victims and the Jewish community as they continue to grapple with the legacy of the terror on the holiest day of their calendar.
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