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Two individuals fatally injured in an attack on a synagogue in Manchester have been revealed by police as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Three additional individuals continue receiving medical care with critical wounds after Jihad Al-Shamie drove a vehicle into pedestrians before stabbing others on Thursday morning.

The attack, which law enforcement has confirmed was a act of terrorism, occurred on the Day of Atonement, the most important observance in the Jewish religious calendar.

The assailant, who was killed by police at the site, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian heritage who was not previously identified to terrorism investigators, as stated by security officials.

Community Response

"Right now our hearts are shattered," Britain's senior Jewish leader commented.

Speaking to a major broadcast, he stated: "What transpired yesterday was a devastating impact to us, something which actually we were fearing might happen because of the preceding circumstances."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for Jews in Britain "but for the entire nation," he added.

Government Response

"Our obligation is to make sure our Jewish community, our citizens can live their lives with safety and security," the Home Secretary stated.

"I do not want the Jewish community in our country to feel compelled to live a limited religious practice, that they cannot pursue their activities and practice their faith and go to their communal institutions in liberty," she continued.

The attacker was not identified to security services, she informed media outlets, and it was "not yet possible" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.

Ongoing Probe

The law enforcement inquiry was "continuing at pace" and there was an increased police presence at synagogues across the UK.

"The government does provide safety resources," the representative stated, adding: "I think we will have to consider what additional measures we can implement to combat growing religious prejudice."

Local authorities confirmed they were assisting the relatives of the two deceased individuals.

"Sincere condolences are with those affected by this tragedy at this extremely hard time," the lead investigator expressed.

He indicated that trained family liaison officers were in communication with families and would maintain assistance through the coronial process.

"Whilst there are processes which need compliance, we commit to being mindful of religious traditions and sensitivities and to making certain that the deceased and their families' preferences are followed," he continued, noting that the both victims were from the local area.

Autopsies are scheduled on the following day, as confirmed by official sources.