Key facts
- Greater Manchester Police failed to examine mobile devices seized from synagogue attacker Jihad al-Shamie before he carried out a deadly assault.
- The devices contained evidence of al-Shamie's extremist views.
- Al-Shamie was on bail for an alleged rape when he attacked the synagogue on October 2, 2025.
- Two Jewish men were killed in the attack.
- Al-Shamie's associate, Mohammad Bashir, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 17 years for planning a terrorist act.
- Bashir and al-Shamie discussed extremist views and prepared for 'war' in WhatsApp chats.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating all previous police contact with al-Shamie.
Greater Manchester Police has apologized for a "missed opportunity" after failing to examine crucial data on the mobile devices of a synagogue attacker before he carried out a deadly assault. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson stated that the phones of Jihad al-Shamie, who attacked the Heaton Park Synagogue on October 2, 2025, were seized during previous arrests but the significant information was not reviewed.
Watson expressed deep regret that this oversight could add to the distress of those affected by the "terrible events." His statement coincides with the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, a 31-year-old friend of al-Shamie, to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years. Bashir was convicted for planning a terrorist act with al-Shamie, including a reconnaissance mission to the UK Defence Academy in August 2025.
Al-Shamie, who told police he was acting for Islamic State, was shot dead by officers during the synagogue attack, which resulted in the deaths of worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now reviewing the Greater Manchester Police's previous investigations into al-Shamie, including whether any opportunities to prevent the attack were missed.