The families of the two men killed in the Manchester synagogue attack have described them as heroic people who cared about their community.
The family of 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, who is believed to have been accidentally shot by police, described him as a “hero” who “tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others”.
Daulby was one of the worshippers who stopped an attacker from entering Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Thursday, Greater Manchester police said.
The other man who died was 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, who is thought to have been stabbed to death by the attacker at the gate of the synagogue.
Though his body has yet to be formally identified, his family paid tribute to a “kind, caring” man who would be sorely missed.
In a statement provided by police, they said: “Melvin would do anything to help anyone. He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people.
“He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food. He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community.
“We ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with this shocking loss.”
Police said Daulby’s injury “may have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by our officers to bring a vicious attack to an end”. It is thought he was behind a synagogue door holding it closed when he was fatally shot, alongside another man, Yoni Finlay, who remains in hospital being treated for a shooting injury.
In a tribute issued by the force, his family said: “Adrian Daulby was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others. He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew, and a cherished cousin.
“The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man. His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday 2 October 2025.”
The men were killed after the attacker used a car to ram into the grounds of the synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, then stabbed worshippers in a six-minute rampage that ended only when armed officers shot at him twice.
Three others were seriously injured in the attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Police named the attacker on Thursday night as Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Greater Manchester police said three other people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – had been arrested “on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”.
Postmortem examinations of the victims – both of whom were from Crumpsall – will take place later on Friday.
In a message on social media on Friday, Daulby’s family said they were “heartbroken” by his loss and would be seeking “the answers that we need”.
They said: “As Adrian’s family, we are heartbroken by his passing. We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we grieve and seek the answers we need. Thank you for your understanding and respect.”
At a vigil near the scene on Friday afternoon, Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was in the synagogue at the time of the attack, said Daulby and Finlay had “blocked the terrorist”. He described Finlay as “one of the heroes of the Heaton Park community, who is today in hospital recovering from terrible wounds”.
He added: “We also remember Adrian and Melvin, truly wonderful, special men whose lives were so truly snatched from them as they tried to pray as Jews on the holiest day of the year on Yom Kippur.”
DCS Lewis Hughes, who is coordinating the casualty response, said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.
“Specially trained family liaison officers are in contact with them. They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process.
“While there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones’ wishes are respected.”
The attack drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with Keir Starmer calling the knife attacker a “vile individual” who “attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values”. The Conservative and Reform leaders, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, were among those joining the prime minister in showing support for the Jewish community.
The attack happened days before the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks by Hamas in Israel. Police said there would be heightened security at synagogues and Jewish community centres in the coming days.
Starmer flew back to the UK early from a gathering of European leaders in Denmark on Thursday to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after the incident before speaking to the nation from Downing Street.
On Friday morning, Greater Manchester police confirmed extra officers would provide a “high visibility” presence in north Manchester, Bury and Salford within Jewish communities and around synagogues.
There would also be increased visits to local places of worship.
With PA Media
