Manchester synagogue terror attacker Jihad Al-Shamie screamed "this is what they get for killing our children" as he brandished a knife at Jewish worshippers, a witness says.
Alan Levy was among those who barricaded the doors of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester, to prevent Al-Shamie stabbing more people.
Mr Levy looked on in horror as Syrian-born Al-Shamie drove his car into a group of Jewish worshippers before lunging at them with a knife while wearing a fake suicide vest on Thursday, October 2.
Police have since revealed the terrorist was on bail for alleged rape as he carried out the knife attack, which killed Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who bravely stopped Al-Shamie getting inside the building.
It is understood the second victim, Adrian Daulby, 53, was accidentally shot dead by a police marksman as he barricaded the doors against Al-Shamie, who was gunned down by armed police. Another man guarding the doors, Yoni Finlay, was also injured in the shooting.
Recalling the horrific ordeal, Mr Levy, who is chairman of trustees at the synagogue, recounted how he also stood barricading the doors against Al-Shamie.
Mr Levy told ITV News that Al-Shamie was "banging his knife into the glass, trying to get through".
He added: "We were barricading the doors between us with Rabbi Walker and a number of the other congregants. He couldn't get in because we were holding the doors firm.'
"He shouted, ‘this is what they get for killing our children’. He then tried to pick up plant pots we had at the bottom of the steps and he was smashing those against the glass to try and get in."
News of the attack sent shockwaves across the country, with Keir Starmer and the Met Police unsuccessfully calling on protesters to cancel today's demonstration for Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square.
Mr Levy said: "We're going to be strong, and we're not going to let this defeat us in any way."
Counter-terror police have been granted warrants giving them extra time to question four people arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, with another two also in custody.
The police operation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW). They were granted the warrants on Saturday, meaning they can detain four of the suspects for a further five days.
The warrants are in relation to two men, aged 30 and 32, and a woman, 61, all arrested in Prestwich, and a 46-year-old woman arrested in Farnworth.
Also under arrest are an 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man who were arrested in Farnworth and remain in custody for questioning.
A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) statement said: “Our investigation into the appalling terrorist incident that took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue is continuing at pace.
“The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West supported by resources from across the national Counter Terrorism Policing (CPT) network and Greater Manchester Police.
“Significant resources from across CTP have been mobilised in order to establish the full picture into what has happened.
“We have been granted warrants of further detention for four individuals currently in custody. This means they can remain in custody for up to a further five days.
“Everyone in custody has been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
“Inquiries are ongoing.”
On Saturday, the force said three men remain in hospital with serious injuries, including a security guard with car-impact injuries and a Community Security Trust (CST) worker with stab wounds.
On Friday the police watchdog, which is investigating the incident, said it was examining the use of lethal force by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) firearms officers.
