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Two men fatally injured in an attack on a synagogue in Manchester have been identified by police as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.

Three more people continue receiving medical care with serious injuries after the attacker drove a vehicle into individuals before attacking with a knife on Thursday morning.

The violent incident, which police have said was a terror-related event, occurred on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish tradition.

The attacker, who was shot dead at the site, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who was not previously identified to counter-terrorism authorities, according to security officials.

Official Statements

"Our hearts are broken," the nation's top rabbinical authority declared.

In an interview with a prominent media outlet, he remarked: "Yesterday's events was a devastating impact to us, something which actually we were fearing might happen because of the build up."

The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for the British Jewish community "but for the entire nation," he emphasized.

Government Response

"Our obligation is to guarantee our Jewish citizens, our people can conduct their daily activities with safety and security," a senior government official announced.

"We cannot allow Jewish citizens in our country to feel like they have to live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot pursue their activities and practice their faith and go to their communal institutions in freedom," she stated.

The assailant was not known to terrorism investigators, she informed broadcasters, and it was "premature" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.

Investigation Update

The law enforcement inquiry was "continuing at pace" and there was an increased police presence at Jewish worship centers across the UK.

"Funding is available for protective measures," the minister said, adding: "We must evaluate what additional measures we can implement to deal with rising antisemitism."

Local authorities said they were assisting the relatives of the two victims.

"My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this incredibly difficult period," law enforcement leadership declared.

He said that trained family liaison officers were in touch with relatives and would continue to support them through the coronial process.

"Although procedures exist which require adherence, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that the victims and their relatives' requests are followed," he continued, noting that the both victims were from the Manchester community.

Post-mortems are scheduled on the next day, as confirmed by authoritative reports.