Greater Manchester Police has offered a formal apology over missed investigative opportunities after it emerged that mobile phones seized from the man who later attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue were not analysed until after the incident.
Chief constable expresses regret as details emerge following court hearing
Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of GMP, made the remarks after legal restrictions tied to ongoing proceedings were lifted following the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, 31. Bashir was given a life term at Manchester Crown Court this week for his role in planning a separate attack with the synagogue attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, 35.
“The conclusion of legal proceedings against Bashir means that the rules which prevent the sharing of information about live criminal cases are now lifted,” Sir Stephen said.
Police say devices were taken from Al-Shamie months prior to the car and knife assault at Heaton Park on 2 October last year but were not forensically examined until after the attack. The failure to analyse those phones in a timely way has prompted an apology from the force amid questions over whether earlier scrutiny might have uncovered the plot.
Attack, casualties and local effects
During the attack two worshippers were killed and three other men sustained serious injuries. The victims laid to rest in Salford include Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, the latter described in reporting as having attempted to barricade the synagogue door in a bid to protect others.
On the day of the assault, Al-Shamie drove a small car into the synagogue gates and then attacked people with a knife while wearing what was reported to be a fake suicide device. He made a call to police during the incident, pledging allegiance to Islamic State, and was later shot dead by armed officers. Salford Royal Hospital was briefly placed on lockdown and police patrols in Jewish communities across the area were increased in the aftermath.
What the force has said and what this means for the public
GMP’s acknowledgment follows the sentencing of Bashir, who was convicted for conspiring with Al-Shamie to plan a separate attack at the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham. With those legal proceedings concluded, the force says it can provide further detail about its contact with Al-Shamie prior to the Heaton Park attack.
- Devices seized: Phones were taken from the attacker months before the October incident.
- Analysis delay: Forensic examination did not occur until after the attack.
- Consequences: Two people were killed, others seriously injured; local communities remain on heightened alert.
Members of the Salford Jewish community, bereaved families and residents affected by the heightened security will be watching closely for any internal reviews or changes to investigative practice that GMP may undertake in response to the admission.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Heaton Park synagogue attack | 2 October (previous year) |
| Sentencing of Mohammad Bashir | This week |
The chief constable’s apology highlights procedural failings that could have implications for public confidence in policing. Local civilian and civic leaders have previously called for transparency after the attack; this disclosure is likely to renew those demands.
As legal restrictions have been lifted, GMP is now able to set out more information publicly. Any forthcoming internal reviews, independent oversight findings or recommendations will be of direct interest to Salford residents seeking assurance about how intelligence and seized material are handled in future.
Further statements from Greater Manchester Police and updates from the coroner’s office or prosecutors will be followed closely by this newsroom.
