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Two men killed in an assault on a synagogue in Manchester have been named by authorities as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Three additional individuals continue receiving medical care with serious injuries after Jihad Al-Shamie drove a vehicle into individuals before attacking with a knife on the morning of the incident.

The attack, which law enforcement has confirmed was a terror-related event, occurred on the Day of Atonement, the most important observance in the Jewish tradition.

The assailant, who was fatally shot at the location, was a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent who was not previously identified to counter-terrorism authorities, per official statements.

Community Response

"Our hearts are broken," the nation's top rabbinical authority stated.

During a conversation on a prominent media outlet, he remarked: "What transpired yesterday was an awful blow to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the preceding circumstances."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for the British Jewish community "but for all of our society," he added.

Security Measures

"The government's duty is to make sure our Jewish community, our people can go about their lives with security and assurance," a cabinet minister stated.

"I do not want Jewish people in our country to believe they must live a limited religious practice, that they cannot pursue their activities and practice their faith and visit their worship places in liberty," she added.

The perpetrator was not recognized to security services, she stated to news organizations, and it was "not yet possible" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.

Investigation Update

The police investigation was "progressing rapidly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at religious institutions across the UK.

"Funding is available for safety resources," the minister said, adding: "We must evaluate what more we can do to deal with growing religious prejudice."

Greater Manchester police announced they were assisting the relatives of the two deceased individuals.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragedy at this incredibly difficult period," the lead investigator stated.

He said that specialized support personnel were in communication with families and would provide ongoing help through the coronial process.

"Although procedures exist which must be followed, we pledge to remain sensitive of community customs and sensitivities and to guaranteeing that the victims and their families' preferences are respected," he continued, stating that the both victims were from the local area.

Post-mortems are taking place on the next day, according to authoritative reports.