Police in Manchester have been granted more time to question a 31-year-old man arrested last week in connection with the deadly terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, as the investigation into the October tragedy continues to unfold. The suspect, whose name has not been released by authorities, was apprehended by counter-terrorism officers at Manchester Airport on Thursday, November 27, 2025, after arriving on an inbound flight. He was detained on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism—a charge that underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating any possible links to the attack.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced on Saturday, November 29, that they had secured a warrant of further detention, allowing them to hold the man in custody for up to seven days from his arrest, or until Thursday, December 4. According to GMP, this extension is vital to allow investigators more time to question the suspect and pursue additional lines of inquiry. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who oversees Counter Terrorism Policing North West, stated, "At around midday, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the appalling terrorist attack that took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue."
The attack, which shocked Manchester and reverberated throughout the UK, occurred on October 2, 2025. On that day, Jihad Al-Shamie entered the synagogue and unleashed violence that resulted in the deaths of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz. Three other men suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital, though they have since been discharged. The attacker, Al-Shamie, was shot dead at the scene by police, bringing a swift and violent end to the immediate threat but leaving the community and investigators grappling with the aftermath.
This latest arrest brings the total number of people detained in connection with the attack to seven. Five of those individuals have since been released without charge, reflecting the complexity and evolving nature of terrorism investigations. Another man, aged 30, was arrested on October 9 on suspicion of failing to disclose information under the Terrorism Act 2000. He remains on bail as the investigation continues.
The loved ones of Mr. Daulby and Mr. Cravitz, as well as those who were seriously injured, have been kept informed of recent developments, according to Assistant Chief Constable Potts. He emphasized the ongoing nature of the inquiry and renewed his appeal for public assistance: "Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again appeal for anyone with information that they think could assist our enquiries to please come forward." Police have urged anyone who may have relevant information to contact them through the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 0161 856 3946.
The events of October 2 have left a lasting scar on Manchester’s Jewish community and the city at large. The Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, a longstanding place of worship and community gathering, was transformed into a crime scene in the aftermath of the attack. The deaths of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz—both remembered as pillars of their community—have been deeply mourned. Vigils and memorials have taken place in the weeks since, with community leaders, faith groups, and public officials expressing solidarity and condemning the violence.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, counter-terrorism police launched a wide-ranging investigation, seeking to establish whether Al-Shamie acted alone or as part of a wider network. The arrest of the 31-year-old suspect at Manchester Airport has reignited speculation about possible connections to others, either domestically or abroad. However, police remain tight-lipped about the specific evidence that led to this latest detention, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
According to BBC reporting, the process of securing a warrant of further detention is a standard procedure in complex terrorism cases, reflecting the need for thorough questioning and evidence-gathering. It allows police to hold suspects for longer periods than would typically be permitted under UK law, provided they can demonstrate to a judge that the extension is necessary and justified by the circumstances.
The attack itself was characterized by its brutality and the apparent targeting of a place of worship. Police responded rapidly to the scene, and the decision to use lethal force against Al-Shamie was later described as a necessary measure to prevent further loss of life. In the days that followed, law enforcement agencies worked closely with community leaders to provide support and reassurance, while also warning against speculation and the spread of misinformation.
Five of the seven individuals arrested in connection with the attack have now been released without charge, a reminder of the challenges authorities face in distinguishing between those who may have had a role in the planning or execution of the attack and those who are ultimately found to have no involvement. The 30-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information, remains on bail as police continue to sift through evidence and conduct interviews.
Assistant Chief Constable Potts has repeatedly emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the fight against terrorism. He stated, "The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz have been updated on this development, as have those who were seriously injured in the attack." This commitment to transparency and engagement has been echoed by community leaders, who have praised the efforts of law enforcement while also calling for vigilance and unity in the face of extremism.
The investigation into the Heaton Park synagogue attack is ongoing, and police have made it clear that they are pursuing all possible leads. The arrest of the 31-year-old man at Manchester Airport is a significant development, but it is not yet clear whether further arrests or charges will follow. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the full circumstances of the attack and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact police. As the community continues to heal, the hope is that justice will be served and that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
