Witness Recounts Time That 'Monster' Attacked Northern Manchester Jewish House of Worship
An individual involved in fortifying a Jewish temple in northern Manchester has shared how a tragic assault occurred, causing the deaths of a pair of community members.
On Thursday morning, Alan Levy was present in the local synagogue when a perpetrator rammed a car into and assaulted attendees coming together for a ceremony to mark the holy day.
The witness explained that the 'monster' individual sought to bash down the doors of the synagogue, and he described securing the structure with other congregation members.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66 lost their lives in the attack on that day, while additional persons were injured while attempting to defend congregants.
Eyewitness Account of the Violence
The individual, who serves as a leader at the house of worship, described holding the doors and noted that the perpetrator employed blades and outdoor items to force his way inside.
I observed a large, menacing figure forcefully push the main doors, trying to bash them down holding a sharp weapon," he shared with interviewers.
The single phrase I heard was him saying 'this is what you're going to get for killing our children'.
"That's the only thing were spoken. We remained behind the doors and we were repeating 'we are not letting this man in'.
"He was an insane and malevolent attacker."
Memorial Service Observed for Victim
The comments coincided with hundreds of people attended the memorial for one of the victims.
Relatives, congregants from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation including a religious leader, and individuals of the wider Jewish community assembled in a nearby location to show support.
Attendees crowded the gravesite, with many gathering outside the chapel in the downpour, following the proceedings over audio systems.
In a tribute issued on Friday, the victim's loved ones said that he had a helpful nature.
Authorities Inquiry and Detentions
Greater Manchester Police reported that the individual may have been hit by law enforcement rounds as they neutralized the perpetrator shortly after the incident was reported.
Mr Daulby, who was recognized by his loved ones as a "hero", was participating in a gathering at the synagogue when the violence occurred.
He had been a beloved brother, caring relative to his several nieces and a nephew and a valued relative," his loved ones stated.
"The family is shocked by the unexpected loss of such a lovely down to earth man.
"His final act was one of profound courage and he remains in memory for his brave deed."
Multiple detentions took place in connection with the violence, and police confirmed that a group were still detained on that time.
All four were detained for terrorism-related activities.
The individuals detained are a pair of males, of specific ages and detained in the local area; a female in her 60s apprehended in the area; and a woman in her 40s detained in another location.
Other suspects were freed with no further proceedings, authorities stated on Saturday.