A coroner has opened an official inquest into the deaths of two men in the Manchester synagogue terror attack at Manchester Crown Court.
Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Jihad Al-Shamie launched his attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue during prayers on Yom Kippur.
When the attack began, Adrian leapt from his seat in the synagogue to block the doors of the synagogue as knife-wielding Al-Shamie tried to get in to attack worshippers. The shot which killed him was fired by an armed police officer.
Melvin was killed with Adrian on the most holy day in the Jewish calendar, as many worshipped inside the synagogue in Crumpsall.
Adrian is believed to have been inadvertently shot dead by armed police as they scrambled to the scene to stop Al-Shamie, who had driven his car at worshippers outside, attacked others with a knife, and tried to storm the synagogue wearing a fake suicide belt.
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Adrian’s family previously 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.’
Melvin was a synagogue security guard who was killed trying to stop Al-Shamie from getting into the building.
His family 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.’
Al-Shamie was shot dead by police at the scene. Three other men were in hospital with serious injuries after the attack in Crumpsall.
After the attacks unfolded, it was revealed that Al-Shamie had been on bail for rape at the time.
A police source told the BBC: ‘Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was arrested on suspicion of rape. He was currently on bail at the time of the attack. He was not charged with the rape.’
Earlier this month, King Charles met with other heroes on the scene of the attack.
The King was met by Rabbi Daniel Walker, who shut the doors of Heaton Park Synagogue to stop Jihad Al-Shamie’s terror attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
‘I can’t tell you how sad I am,’ the King told the group, which included the synagogue’s chairman, Alan Levy, who also helped to barricade the door.
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