Greater Manchester Police seized mobile phones from the man who carried out a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue on two separate occasions months before the assault, but never examined them. The police chief has now apologized.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove his car into the gates of Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on October 2, 2025, then attacked people with a knife. Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed. Worshippers had gathered to mark Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews. Al-Shamie was wearing a fake suicide belt and was killed by police gunfire at the scene.
Al-Shamie had been on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack. Police had arrested him in February and September of 2025, seizing his devices on both occasions. Those devices contained evidence of his extreme views, according to BBC News, but they were never analyzed before the attack.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed the failure and issued a formal apology. "In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shamie's mobile devices, at the point of each arrest," he said. "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. For this, I am deeply sorry."
Watson also said that "the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action" had they been examined.
The apology came following the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for plotting a separate attack alongside Al-Shamie. That plot targeted the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham. During Bashir's proceedings at Manchester Crown Court, details emerged that the two men had discussed their extremist views in WhatsApp chats, including preparing for a "war." Court footage showed the moment Al-Shamie and Bashir discussed becoming martyrs.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it was investigating all previous contact between Greater Manchester Police and Al-Shamie prior to the October 2025 attack. A spokesperson said the investigation included the actions taken by police in response to reports of crimes committed by him before the attack. One officer is under investigation for potential misconduct related to the handling of rape and other sexual offence allegations against Al-Shamie.
"This does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. This decision will be made on conclusion of the investigation," the spokesperson said.
The IOPC said its investigation would consider whether the police missed any opportunities to prevent the attack.
