Police failed to check Manchester synagogue attacker's phones despite arresting him twice
Greater Manchester Police apologises because Jihad Al-Shamie's devices were not reviewed before the attack.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he attacked the synagogue in Manchester
A police chief has apologised after admitting phones were twice seized from the Manchester synagogue attacker months before the car and knife assault but they were not examined.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on 2 October 2025, in which two Jewish men were killed.
His devices, which contained evidence of his extreme views, were seized after he was arrested in February and September but not analysed.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said he was "deeply sorry", conceding that "the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action".
Sir Stephen said the end of legal proceedings against Mohammad Bashir, who has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for plotting a separate attack with Al-Shamie, meant rules around sharing information about a live criminal case had been lifted.
He said: "In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shamie's mobile devices, at the point of each arrest.
"The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset.
"I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by the terrible events last October.
The moment the synagogue attacker and Bashir discuss becoming martyrs
The apology came after Bashir's sentencing over the plot with Al-Shamie to attack the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham.
Details emerged in the case at Manchester Crown Court that the pair had been discussing their extremist views in WhatsApp chats, including preparing for a "war".
The court was played footage showing the moment Al-Shamie and Bashir discussed becoming martyrs.
Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating "all previous contact between Greater Manchester Police and Jihad Al-Shamie prior to the terror attack on 2 October 2025".
A spokesperson for the police watchdog said this included the actions taken by police in response to reports of crimes committed by him.
Melvin Cravitz (left) and Adrian Daulby (right) died afterJihad Al-Shamie launched a car and knife attack
One officer is under investigation by the IOPC for potential misconduct in relation to their handling of allegations of rape and other sexual offences against Al-Shamie.
"This does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will
📌 Kaynak
Bu haber XML kaynağından derlenmiştir. Tamamı için orijinal habere gidin.
Orijinal haberi oku →