Families' moving tributes to 'kind, caring and profoundly courageous' synagogue attack victims

The families of the two victims of the Manchester synagogue attack have paid tribute to them as "heroic, beloved and cherished".

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed in the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.

Mr Daulby, a member of the congregation, was shot accidentally by police as he prevented attacker Jihad al Shamie from entering the synagogue, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Manchester attack latest: Three more arrests made

His family said he was a "hero" who "tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others".

The family of Mr Cravitz, who was a security guard, said he would "do anything to help anyone".

In a statement, they added: "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."

Mr Daulby's family said 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," they said. "His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act."

GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said Mr Daulby's injury "may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end".

He was believed to have been behind the synagogue door, close to another victim, who is in hospital with a gunshot wound, but their condition is not life-threatening.

Both of the men who died are from Crumpsall.

Other relatives of Mr Cravitz told Sky News north of England correspondent Katerina Vittozzi he was a "gentle giant" who "would never harm a fly" and they felt "sick" when they found out he was one of the victims.

His cousin Phil Bentley said his death was even more tragic as Mr Cravitz would never normally be at the synagogue that early in the day.

Mr Bentley's wife, Evayne, said: "He didn't deserve this. Nobody deserves this."

She said the attack would have a "massive impact" on the Jewish community locally and she did not feel safe in the UK.

Hindi Cohen, a friend and neighbour, said Mr Cravitz was a "lovely man" with a good sense of humour, adding: "Our kids loved him. He called himself uncle Melvin to my kids."

One of Mr Daulby's neighbours shared images of him captured on a doorbell camera as he fed a neighbour's cat.

Another described him as "one of the best guys I've ever seen in my life".

Abdul Rahimi, who lived next to the 53-year-old for 20 years, told Sky News he was a "great neighbour" who often bought books and toys for children on their street.

"He was a very, very good man," he said.

Waqas Hussain told Sky News Mr Daulby was not just a neighbour but a friend, who he bonded with over their shared love of nature, animals and birds.

"He was just a great guy," he said, adding that they had a strong connection "regardless of race or religion".

He said Mr Daulby was a cancer survivor, who lived alone and started going to the synagogue more after his father died a few years ago.

But he was not fasting for health reasons and was debating whether or not to go to the synagogue on Thursday.

"He's been our neighbour for more than 20 years. We've had such a good relationship with each other," he said.

"Just one of them people… so innocent, so approachable and so pure."

GMP has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the shooting.

The force said there will be more officers on patrol throughout the region today - and increased visits to places of worship so communities "feel safe and reassured".

Chief Superintendent David Meeney added: "People in North Manchester, Bury, Salford, within Jewish communities, and around synagogues can expect to see uniformed officers on patrol in vehicles and on foot throughout today, into this evening, and over the weekend.

"They are there to reassure you and, whilst they may not be able to answer questions about the investigation, they will be happy to reassure you about the actions we are taking to ensure communities are safe and feel safe.

"We are conscious of the significance of Fridays and Saturdays in the Jewish faith, and will be doing everything we can to help communities mark Shabbat with their families and friends as they wish."

Read more:
What we know about the attack
Starmer vows to 'wrap arms' around Jewish community

On Thursday, the force named the suspect as Jihad al Shamie - a 35-year-old who is believed to be a British citizen of Syrian descent.

He is understood to have been granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16 years old, having entered the UK as a young child.

Three people - two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s - have been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Al Shamie is said to have driven a car towards the gates of the synagogue and then began attacking people with a knife on Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day.

Read more:
Worshippers leaving synagogue hear news of attack
Jewish leaders 'feared attack was coming'

Police shot him dead minutes after he was stopped from getting inside, as they feared he was wearing an explosive device.

Three men remain in hospital, with two of them named as Yoni Finlay and Andrew Franks.

One suffered a stab wound, a second was hurt after being hit by the car, and the third suffered a gunshot wound.

One of the injured victims was working for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which provides security to the Jewish community.

Its chief executive Mark Gardner said in a statement: "One of our CST personnel was seriously injured in yesterday's terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

"We pray for his continuing recovery and salute the courage of all those who helped stop the terrorist from getting into the shul."

(c) Sky News 2025: Families' moving tributes to 'kind, caring and profoundly courageous' synagogue attack victims