Eyewitness Recounts Time When 'Evil Attacker' Attacked Northern Manchester Temple
A man involved in securing a house of prayer in the region of Manchester has described how a tragic attack unfolded, causing the demise of a pair of British Jews.
On Thursday morning, Alan Levy was present in the local synagogue when an attacker rammed a car into and stabbed attendees coming together for a ceremony to mark a significant religious event.
The witness noted that the 'deranged' individual tried to bash down the doors of the place of worship, and he recalled securing the building with fellow worshippers.
The victims, in their 50s and 60s were killed in the attack on Thursday, while several more were hurt while helping to safeguard congregants.
Survivor Account of the Violence
He, who serves as a Chair of the Trustees at the synagogue, described reinforcing the entry points and noted that the assailant wielded blades and garden containers to try to get in.
"I saw a large, menacing figure shoulder charge the main doors, attempting to break them open holding a sharp weapon," he told the media.
"The only thing that could be discerned from him was 'this is what you're going to get for killing our children'.
Just those words I heard him say. And we were inside the building and we were saying 'we are not letting this man in'.
He acted like a deranged, evil monster."
Funeral Held for Individual
The comments were made as hundreds of people attended the funeral service for the deceased.
Close kin, members from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation as well as the community rabbi, and participants of the broader community gathered in a nearby location to show support.
Mourners crowded the cemetery forecourt, with many waiting outdoors the ceremony space in the downpour, hearing the service and eulogy over loudspeakers.
In a tribute shared on Friday, Mr Cravitz's family stated that he was always willing to assist.
Police Probe and Arrests
Local authorities reported that Mr Daulby was likely struck by police gunfire as they shot the attacker shortly after the incident was reported.
He, who was hailed by his relatives as a "hero", was present at a service at the house of worship when the attack began.
He remained a cherished sibling, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin," his loved ones noted.
"The family is stunned by the sudden passing of such a lovely down to earth man.
His last actions showed immense heroism and he remains in memory for his heroic act."
Several arrests were conducted in regarding the violence, and police confirmed that a group were still detained on that time.
Each of them were arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related activities.
Those arrested include a pair of males, of specific ages and both arrested in Prestwich; a 61-year-old woman arrested in Prestwich; and a middle-aged female arrested in Farnworth.
Other suspects were freed with no further action, officials stated on the following day.
