Survivor Recounts Moment That 'Evil Attacker' Attacked Northern Manchester Temple
An individual who helped fortifying a synagogue in the region of Manchester has recounted how a tragic attack occurred, causing the loss of a pair of Jewish individuals.
Early Thursday, Alan Levy was inside the Heaton Park synagogue when a perpetrator drove a vehicle toward and stabbed attendees gathering for a observance to observe the holy day.
He explained that the 'evil' perpetrator sought to bash down the doors of the building, and he described locking down the structure with other worshippers.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66 were killed in the violence on that day, while three others were injured while attempting to defend others.
Survivor Description of the Violence
The individual, who acts as a key figure at the house of worship, described securing the entry points and stated that the attacker employed sharp objects and plant pots to try to get in.
I observed a terrifying individual forcefully push in the front doors, seeking to force them open with a knife in his hand," he explained to reporters.
The single phrase I heard from him was 'this is what you're going to get for killing our children'.
Just those words he expressed. And we were inside the building and we were declaring 'we are not letting this man in'.
He appeared as a crazed, violent individual."
Memorial Service Held for Deceased
The remarks came as hundreds of people took part in the funeral service for one of the victims.
Family members, congregants from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation including Rabbi Daniel Walker, and participants of the broader community gathered in the local area to pay their respects.
Attendees filled the cemetery forecourt, with several waiting outdoors the chapel in the inclement weather, following the ceremony and tribute over audio systems.
In a tribute issued on the following day, Mr Cravitz's family expressed that he was always willing to assist.
Law Enforcement Probe and Apprehensions
Greater Manchester Police reported that Mr Daulby may have been hit by police gunfire as they shot the attacker following the emergency call.
He, who was recognized by his loved ones as a "brave individual", was present at a service at the house of worship when the violence began.
"He was a dear family member, loving uncle to his several nieces and a nephew and a valued relative," his loved ones added.
"The family is stunned by the tragic, sudden death of a genuinely good person.
His last actions showed immense heroism and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act."
Several arrests have been made in regarding the violence, and police stated that a group were still detained on the weekend.
All four were arrested on suspicion of involvement in terrorist acts.
The individuals detained 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 detained in another location.
Other suspects were released with no further proceedings, authorities reported on the following day.
