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In a tragic development, a victims killed during the Heaton Park synagogue assault is believed to have been shot dead by law enforcement personnel.

Official Statement Confirms Firearm Injury

The senior officer from the local force stated that the Home Office pathologist has initially concluded the victim succumbed to a gunshot wound.

“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist before detailed autopsies set to occur this afternoon. The Home Office pathologist indicated that he has provisionally determined one of the deceased victims likely sustained a injury consistent with a gunshot injury.”

Suspect Details

The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, was not carrying a gun, and the only shots fired came from authorized firearms personnel on site.

Authorities think the deceased was part of the group behind the synagogue door seeking to prevent the assailant from gaining entry.

Consequences of Police Action

“It follows therefore that subject to further forensic examination, the wound was unfortunately incurred as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the necessary rapid response employed by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”

Names Released

Both individuals who lost their lives at Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester earlier this week were identified as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

The men were killed when a vehicle was employed to ram into the grounds of the local Jewish place of worship, then stabbed worshippers in a brief violent spree that ended only when armed officers shot at him twice, ending his life near the synagogue entrance.

Further Harm

Three more people were seriously injured in the attack on Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish year.

The chief constable added, “We have also been advised that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is fortunately non-fatal. Officials think the two individuals were near each other behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from getting inside.”

Community Support

“Our thoughts and prayers are directed toward all of the families, and broader public, touched by this incident in the region and elsewhere. Specialist officers are offering aid and assistance for everyone involved, including the courageous emergency teams.”

Attacker Profile

Authorities identified the attacker as the individual, 35, a British citizen of Syrian origin.

Greater Manchester police said that three other people – two male suspects and a woman in her 60s – had been arrested “for alleged involvement in planning of terrorist activities”.

More details to follow ...