Greater Manchester Police has apologised after revealing that mobile phones seized from synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie following arrests in February and September 2025 were not analysed before his 2 October attack that killed two worshippers. An internal review found the devices contained material evidencing an extremist mindset that "would have inspired further investigative action." The IOPC is investigating all prior contact between GMP and Al-Shamie, and one officer is under scrutiny for how allegations were handled. Inquests and watchdog reviews will examine whether missed opportunities might have prevented the attack.
Police Apologise After Admitting Phones From Manchester Synagogue Attacker Were Not Examined
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he attacked the synagogue in Manchester [Facebook]
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has apologised after admitting that mobile phones seized from Jihad Al-Shamie in the months before his 2 October 2025 attack on Heaton Park Synagogue were not analysed. The failure to review the devices — taken after earlier arrests — came to light during an internal review and has prompted an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) inquiry.
What Happened
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, launched a car-and-knife attack at the synagogue in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur on 2 October 2025. Two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, were killed. Al-Shamie, who was wearing a fake suicide belt, was shot dead by armed officers at the scene.
Melvin Cravitz (left) and Adrian Daulby (right) died afterJihad Al-Shamie launched a car and knife attack [BBC]
Seized Devices Not Examined
GMP confirmed that mobile devices taken from Al-Shamie after arrests on 13 February 2025 (on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order) and 21 September 2025 (on suspicion of rape) were not analysed before the synagogue attack. An internal review concluded that the content of those devices contained material indicating an extremist mindset and "would have inspired further investigative action."
"I am deeply sorry," said Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson. "Regrettably, I can confirm that the significance of the information stored on Al-Shamie's devices was not realised as they had not been examined before the attack took place on the 2 October 2025."
Investigations Under Way
The IOPC confirmed it is investigating all contact between GMP and Jihad Al-Shamie prior to the attack, including police responses to reports of crimes linked to him. One officer is the subject of an IOPC probe over how allegations of rape and other sexual offences were handled; the watchdog stressed that investigation does not automatically mean disciplinary action will follow.
Two worshippers were killed in the attack at the synagogue in Crumpsall [PA Media]
GMP told investigators it only became able to share details about material recovered from the devices after legal proceedings against a separate suspect, Mohammad Bashir, concluded. Bashir has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for plotting a separate attack with Al-Shamie at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham. Court evidence said the pair exchanged WhatsApp messages discussing extremist ideas and preparations for a "war."
Next Steps
The IOPC will review the material recovered from Al-Shamie's devices as part of its inquiry and will examine whether opportunities to prevent the attack were missed. Forthcoming inquests into the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby will probe "all aspects of the attack," and the coroner and IOPC will determine the impact of the phones not being examined before 2 October 2025.
This developing story raises questions about evidence-handling procedures, case-sharing rules during live prosecutions, and whether earlier intervention might have changed the outcome.
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