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Two victims killed in an assault on a Jewish house of worship in Manchester have been identified by law enforcement as Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.

Three additional individuals continue receiving medical care with severe trauma after the assailant used an automobile into pedestrians before stabbing others on Thursday morning.

The assault, which police have said was a act of terrorism, occurred on the Day of Atonement, the most important observance in the Jewish tradition.

The assailant, who was shot dead at the location, was a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent who was not previously known to terrorism investigators, according to government sources.

Community Response

"We are devastated," Britain's senior Jewish leader stated.

Speaking to a prominent media outlet, he stated: "The tragic incident was a terrible shock to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the preceding circumstances."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for the British Jewish community "but for the entire nation," he added.

Official Reaction

"Our obligation is to guarantee our Jewish community, our residents can live their lives with protection and peace of mind," a cabinet minister declared.

"We cannot allow the Jewish community in our country to believe they must live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot pursue their activities and follow their beliefs and attend their religious centers in freedom," she added.

The perpetrator was not identified to counter-terrorism police, she informed media outlets, and it was "too early" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.

Police Inquiry

The police investigation was "progressing rapidly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at religious institutions across the UK.

"The government does provide protective measures," the representative stated, adding: "It will be necessary to examine what more we can do to address rising antisemitism."

Greater Manchester police announced they were supporting the families of the two men killed.

"My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this profoundly challenging moment," a senior police officer declared.

He confirmed that designated family representatives were in touch with relatives and would provide ongoing help through the official inquiries.

"While protocols must be followed which require adherence, we pledge to remain sensitive of cultural preferences and needs and to making certain that the deceased and their relatives' requests are followed," he added, noting that the deceased individuals were from the Manchester community.

Autopsies are taking place on the next day, according to government statements.