The family of suspected Manchester synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie have released a statement condemning yesterday's attack.
On Thursday (2 October) Greater Manchester Police were called to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue after a man was reported to have driven his car at pedestrians, before stabbing worshippers attending Yom Kippur prayers, which is considered to be the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Two people were killed in the attack, with a further three people being transported to hospital in critical condition.
Police later identified the man they believe responsible for the attack to be 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, and confirmed that he had been shot dead by officers attending the scene.
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Members of Al-Shamie's family have now released a statement condemning the attack, saying the news came as a 'profound shock to us'.
Published on a Facebook account belonging to family member Faraj Al-Shamie, the statement reads: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.
"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.
"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.
"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.
"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured."
The two men killed in the attack have since been identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, who are understood to have been killed after Al-Shamie drove his car into pedestrians.
An update released earlier today revealed that one of the men had lost his life after being accidentally shot by police while they were apprehending the attacker.
Three more people remain in hospital in a critical condition, with a previous update from GMP stating that one victim was suffering from stab wounds, while another was hit by a moving vehicle.
The third person later arrived at hospital with 'an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker'.
Meanwhile, the UK Counter Terror Police confirmed the attack was being treated as terrorism, with a further three people - two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s - being arrested.
Brenna Cooper