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Two victims fatally injured in an attack on a Jewish house of worship in Manchester have been identified by police as Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Three more people remain in hospital with severe trauma after the assailant drove a vehicle into pedestrians before attacking with a knife on Thursday morning.

The assault, which law enforcement has confirmed was a terrorist incident, 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 descent who was not on record to terrorism investigators, according to official statements.

Public Reaction

"We are devastated," the UK's Chief Rabbi commented.

During a conversation on a major broadcast, he said: "The tragic incident was an awful blow to us, something which actually we were fearing might happen because of the build up."

The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for the British Jewish community "but for the entire nation," he added.

Government Response

"Our obligation is to ensure our Jewish citizens, our residents can go about their lives with protection and peace of mind," a cabinet minister declared.

"It is unacceptable that Jewish people in our country to believe they must live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot go about their business and observe their religion and visit their worship places in freedom," she stated.

The attacker was not known to counter-terrorism police, she stated to media outlets, and it was "premature" to say if there was a terrorist cell behind the attack.

Ongoing Probe

The criminal probe was "progressing rapidly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at synagogues across the UK.

"Authorities allocate protective measures," the official said, adding: "We must evaluate what more we can do to deal with rising antisemitism."

Local authorities announced they were supporting the families of the two deceased individuals.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragedy at this extremely hard time," the lead investigator stated.

He indicated that trained family liaison officers were in contact with them and would provide ongoing help through the official inquiries.

"While protocols must be followed which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and concerns and to ensuring that the victims and their loved ones' wishes are honored," he continued, stating that the two men were from Crumpsall.

Autopsies are taking place on the following day, as confirmed by government statements.